The Importance of Graduate Education and Professional Certification in Library and Information Science

To function effectively in today's complex and dynamic world, society and its members need to access and use high-quality information of various kinds, in various forms, across different institutions such as the home, the school, and the workplace. It is the responsibility of national, state, and local governing bodies to ensure the provision of information and services supporting access. They have done so traditionally through libraries and other information agencies. The services provided by those centers are administered most effectively by professionally qualified librarians and information professionals educated in graduate programs provided by institutions of higher education - the category of services all U.S. communities deserve.

From time to time, economic pressures or political and societal trends have threatened the ability of local communities to receive information services provided by highly qualified and educated librarians and information professionals at all levels. The Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) believes, however, that these actions impair and curtail education and research, undermine literacy, and erode the possibilities for progress in improving the quality of life of all people. Without a constant and continuing supply of qualified professionals to direct and maintain our libraries and community-based information centers, our society will suffer from inadequate personnel and restricted service, hindering the growth and availability of essential resources which are vital to an informed citizenry, competitive marketplaces, and stable population growth.

As an organizational leader in education for the information professions whose principal role includes supporting graduate library and information science professional education, the ALISE views, with grave concern, any action that diminishes the quality, scope, and requirement for library and information science professionals, to be fully educated to provide their communities with the most competent and tailored community-based information services possible.