Role of Academic Libraries in the Accreditation Process: A Case of Library Science and Engineering Education in India

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the policies and procedures needed for the accreditation of academic institutions by various agencies. In the case of India, a number of accreditation bodies visit academic institutions to accredit the programs and to analyze various facets to assure that standard policies and procedures are in place. The policies and procedures adopted by various accreditation bodies such as AICTE, UGC, NAAC, ABET, etc. recognize the courses offered by the institutions, whereas agencies like Times Higher Education, QS Ranking, NIRF (India) are playing a key role in the ranking of the institutions. Libraries are always one of the important criteria for accreditation as well as ranking. The purpose is to identify the key expectations from these bodies for library science education and libraries in terms of collection, services, and other important aspects which help to achieve an institution’s success.