Recognition and Quality Assurance in Library and Information Science (LIS): common objectives, indicators and benchmarks in Europe

Abstract

The objectives of the article are to demonstrate the need of cooperation in quality assurance ad recognition between higher education institutions and vocational education and training accreditors, with particular focus on exchange of models and methods of accreditation, which have been adopted in LIS, as well as common criteria and principles. There are some assumptions in this research: author believes that there is enough room within the fundamental concept of the quality of LIS education, to incorporate most of the emerging theories and philophies of learning, based on reflective practice and lifelong learning. The Guidelines produced by Library Associations, together with a documentary and literature review, have been analysed to outline common objectives, indicators and benchmarks between individual certification and LIS programmes accreditation. In Europe, the internationalisation process – with the Bologna Declaration (1999) and the Copenhagen Declaration (2002) - have identified certain concrete outputs in the fields of quality assurance, transparency and recognition of qualifications, in order to improve the overall performance and attractiveness of European Higher Education Area and to foster students and workers mobility. The European Qualification Framework, Europass and ECVET are discussed as the way that learning outcomes and recognition of competences can be linked to European Commission action lines. In conclusion, the need for a broad definition of continuing professional development in LIS is outlined.