SAs former chairperson of the Department of Library Science and Instructional Technology, I was thrilled to see the press release from Kutztown University announcing the department’s name change to Library and Learning Technologies.

However, this is not the first name change for the department.

In 2004, the library science and instructional technology departments merged to reflect the expanding role of the librarian.

As noted in the press release, the department, in line with overall university initiatives, is pursuing accreditation by the American Library Association.

During my tenure as chair (2005-13), the department was also pursuing ALA accreditation.

Unfortunately, two submissions were unsuccessful.

Changing the name and solidifying the relationship between library science and technology is a great first step.

Ensuring the curriculum integrates technology and the theories that underpin its design, application and use is essential for accreditation.

It should be noted ALA accredits master’s level programs, not undergraduate programs.

Also, as stated in the press release, the Master of Library Science currently is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and recognized for the preparation of school librarians by The American Association of School Librarians, a division of ALA.

Another necessary step for accreditation is ensuring full-time faculty are sufficient in number and in diversity of specialties to carry out the major share of the teaching, research and service activities required for the program.

With university and college of education support, I hope the department can get out of its “Catch-22” situation.

Low enrollment in the program has been cited as the reason for lack of tenure lines; however, enrollment does not pick up if courses are canceled and full-time, tenure-track professors are not hired.

Currently, there are three tenured professors in the department, as opposed to seven when we applied for accreditation in 2006.

Two adjunct professors are responsible for most of the teaching and managing of the library science program.

The department has been fortunate to be located in Rohrbach Library; library staff are available to serve as mentors and teachers.

Also, the facility serves as a laboratory for learning for students.

Standards for accreditation look for a functional learning environment for students and faculty.

Hopefully, the partnership (space and personnel) will be maintained.

Although many suggest libraries are becoming obsolete, there continues to be a great need for information specialists who are able to organize, disseminate and instruct people in accessing information.

KU library science students continued to get jobs in a variety of venues: school, public, historical and special libraries.

The degree opens up a variety of opportunities in interesting facilities; e.g., National Zoo Library, White House Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art Library and the Atlantic City Public Library.

As noted in the press release, KU’s Library Science program is celebrating its 95th year.

I hope I’m around for the 100th year celebration, and I hope that it will include an accreditation celebration.