Accreditation in the Health Sciences

This handbook provides the needed information about accreditation to enable any library team to prepare for and be an integral part of an accreditation process.

“This book is an excellent reference to have on hand when one's institution is approaching accreditation. The focus on empowering the librarian to take a proactive approach allows the library to establish itself as a relevant and vital component of the organization. It is an opportunity to create connections and maintain those during and after an accreditation process. This is an excellent addition to the literature and a timely piece.”

Schmick and his authors connect librarian and administrator perspectives across all phases of the accreditation process. Case studies from a diverse range of libraries in the United States provide insights and actionable suggestions. Whether you are new to accreditation or have prior experience, reflecting on the knowledge shared will help prepare your library and your organization for success

This title is an outstanding resource that stands as a testament to its quality and utility in the field of health sciences librarianship. Its meticulous attention to the accreditation process and its impact on libraries showcases its immense value to library professionals. The book's practical guidance, combined with a strong theoretical foundation, offers a unique blend that is not only informative but also empowering for its intended audience. This guide surpasses other texts in the field by its sheer focus on adaptability and strategic planning.

Darell Schmick, MLS, MBA, AHIP has over 10 years of experience in academic medical libraries. Currently the library director at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, this will be the second medical school in which he has played an involved role as director in establishing institutional accreditation.

Mr. Schmick is an active member of the Medical Library Association, and the Midcontinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association. Currently chair of the Osteopathic Caucus of the Medical Library Association, he has shepherded projects within the caucus to elevate the visibility of Osteopathic Librarians in schools of Osteopathic Medicine.

Accreditation in the Health Sciences: A Definitive Guide for Libraries explores the role of the library in any health sciences organization's accreditation efforts. This book has been specifically written to address the unique needs of health sciences libraries in supporting an institution's accreditation efforts. The enterprising library professional can treat this title as a manual on how to proactively address the challenges that come with any health sciences related accreditation site visits. The lessons in these chapters will create and build upon valuable opportunities for partnered success between the library and the institution it supports.Library professionals will want to have this guide handy if they need to convey any data to an accrediting agency on behalf of their institution. This book will cover all elements of health sciences libraries and has been written in a way to highlight theories and best practices, rather than specific steps to follow that will easily be outdated with any accrediting body update. In a time when librarians are asked to do more with less, this is especially targeted towards the solo, small team, and/or start up library team to simply and optimize the accreditation experience. Special chapters discuss strategy to advance the library's story will serve as a way to illustrate value and advocate for a well-resourced library.Finally, this book also can serve as an informational tool to accrediting teams themselves to better understand the myriad ways that library services are meaningfully integrated into the institutions they support. Whether working directly in the library or adjacent to it, Accreditation in the Health Sciences will be an asset for a team invested in accreditation success.

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