Standard 7:  Library and Information Services

7.1
The institution makes available the library and information resources necessary for the fulfillment of its mission and purposes. These resources support the academic and research program and the intellectual and cultural development of students, faculty, and staff. Library and information resources may include the holdings and necessary services and equipment of libraries, media centers, computer centers, language laboratories, museums, and any other repositories of information required for the support of institutional offerings. The institution ensures that students use these resources as an integral part of their education.

7.2
Through the institution's ownership or guaranteed access, sufficient collections and services are readily accessible to students wherever programs are located or however they are delivered. These collections and services are sufficient in quality, level, diversity, quantity, and currency to support and enrich the institution's academic offerings. The institution provides facilities adequate to house the collections and equipment so as to foster an atmosphere conducive to inquiry, study, and learning among students, faculty, and staff.

7.3
The institution provides sufficient and consistent financial support for the effective maintenance and improvement of the institution's library and information resources. It makes provision for their proper maintenance and adequate security. It allocates resources for scholarly support services compatible with its instructional and research programs and the needs of the faculty and students.

7.4
Professionally qualified and numerically adequate staff administer the institution's library and information resources. The institution provides appropriate orientation and training for use of these resources. Clear and disseminated policies govern access, usage, and maintenance of library and information resources.

7.5
The institution participates in the exchange of resources and services with other institutions and within networks as necessary to support and supplement its educational programs.

7.6
The institution regularly and systematically evaluates the adequacy and utilization of its library and information resources, and uses the results of the data to improve and increase the effectiveness of these services.[*]

Source: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Standards for Accreditation, 1992.