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Thursday, March 7, 2024

MLIS Degrees Are Woke; New ALA Accreditation Rules Require DEI 'Infusion' Into All Subjects

MLIS degrees now require an "infusion" of diversity, equity, and inclusion [DEI] into every subject.  Every subject.  MLIS degrees are now principally DEI degrees.

MLIS (or MLS, the older name) is the acronym for Master in Library and Information Studies (or Sciences, it depends on who you ask).  Such degrees are required for many jobs such as library director and in various laws that requires MLIS degrees.  

The American Library Association [ALA] provides accreditation to library schools that grant MLIS degrees.  It even has its accreditation double trademarked:
  • "AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION" Serial No. 76382091: Goods and services: IC 042: Accreditation and standard setting for master's programs in library and information studies; association services, namely, promoting the interests of librarians.
  • "ALA ACCREDITED COMMITTEE ON ACCREDITATION" Serial No. 77102993.  Interestingly, the graphic top right is a registered trademark but not for accreditation!  Instead it's for "Educational services in the field of library and information studies."
So ALA is "standard setting for master's programs in library and information studies."  And  how have those standards changed?

How ALA Has Made DEI/EDI Required for MLIS Degrees:

Here's how ALA words it, highlighting mine:

The American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that the 2023 ALA Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies have been passed by the Council of the American Library Association.

This is the culmination of a three-year process of revising the 2015 standards, seeking feedback from the library and information studies and professional community, educators, students, and the public through surveys, conference presentations, and individual responses. In 2023, the Committee also worked with the ALA/Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Working Group to further refine the proposed revisions.

The Committee has responded to input from the Library and Information community to eliminate redundancies, improve clarity, and infuse concepts of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout the standards. The collaborative process that supported this work will ensure that these revised standards support a responsive, 21st century library and information education rooted in the fundamental principles of the profession as espoused by the American Library Association.

The endorsement of the Council of the American Library Association means that schools and programs may begin using the 2023 standards immediately. As in the past, the Committee on Accreditation will work with schools and programs to ensure both success and compliance as they navigate various institutional, state, and regional governing bodies.


So American Library Association has "infused" DEI into all training "throughout the standards" for a librarian's MLIS degree.  

And it will "ensure compliance" by "governing bodies"!  My goodness.  They really think they are special.

"Freedom to Read Act" Legislation Pushed by ALA Will Force MLIS Requirement:

Using "Freedom to Read Act" legislation, ALA is pushing dozens of states to force the requirement for MLIS degrees.  This is truly scary now that we know the MLIS degree has become the woke DEI/MLIS degree.  

Here is language from NJ S2421: "4(a)(7): 'acknowledge that a school library media specialist is professionally trained.'"  This essentially requires librarians to be "professionally trained."  "Professionally trained" means obtaining the DEI/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited school.  ALA accreditation means diversity, equity, and inclusion get pushed in every subject.  This is yet another reason the "Freedom to Read Act" will harm states nationwide.

Read more here:

Legislatures are Moving to Eliminate Requirements for MLIS Degrees:

Already legislators are moving to remove MLIS degrees from requirements for librarian jobs, highlighting mine:

R.S. 25:222(A) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:

§222. ....  There is created a State Board of Library Examiners.... (2) The board may require, as a condition for certification or permit to practice the profession of librarian, that applicants possess a graduate degree; however, the board may not require applicants to possess a graduate degree in any particular field or fields of study. 


Recent Events Show DEI is Dying:

Recent events show people are becoming aware of the harm done by DEI and the fake standards that it sets, such as where Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls DEI "Discrimination, Exclusion, and Indoctrination":











Even Librarians Know the MLIS or MLS Degree is Worthless:

Even some librarians can't stand the MLIS degree: "The debate boils down to this: the skills that an individual uses on the librarian job are not ones that are taught in the pursuit of an MLS and, in fact, the skills that are used are best learned on the job.  Therefore, there’s no sense in requiring librarians to have an MLS."  "I had to admit: Any of this, particularly paired with a passion for customer service, could be learned on the job or with professional development opportunities (which ought to be covered by the workplace)."

Hargreaves, Abby. “How I Got Over My MLS.” Book Riot (blog), September 14, 2020. https://bookriot.com/how-i-got-over-my-mls/.


Conclusion—Do Not Hire MLIS Degree Recipients and Remove Legal Requirements for MLIS Degrees:

DEI/MLIS degrees, now requiring a dying ideology of conformity because of American Library Association's grip over library school accreditation, should no longer be required.  Anyone having a recently minted MLIS will have been schooled predominantly in unAmerican ideology as applied to all library school subjects.  Truly breathtaking.  Do not hire such people with MLIS/DEI degrees, and change any laws to remove any requirement for such degrees.

End Note:

Note that I will be speaking on this topic and others tomorrow in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:



NOTE ADDED 5 MAY 2024:

In a job posted 5 April 2024, ALA is advertising for "DIRECTOR, OFFICE FOR ACCREDITATION (OA)."  Job responsibilities include:
  • Ensures consistency and thereby equitability for all programs.
  • Ensures activities align with ALA core values including equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Develops recruitment and training to ensure a diverse pipeline of volunteers.
  • Liaises with the Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE) and supports a strong collaboration between LIS Faculty and ALA.
  • ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Proof of vaccination will be required on or before start date.
  • All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.
"Required Education and Experience" for the OA Director doesn't include having an MLS/MLIS degree!
  • Master’s degree required. Master’s in library and information science preferred.



This was new to me.  I knew of the Washington DC office (that's not listed) but not these others:
  • Our main headquarters in Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Ave, with other satellite offices in Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. 
Here are archived links to the ALA's job recruiting effort for the Director of the Office for Accreditation:

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URL of this page: 

 

Join World Library Association:

WorldLibraryAssociation.org


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