Accreditation awarded to three library and information programmes at Cologne University of Applied Sciences
This is the first time CILIP has accredited library and information courses outside the UK and will improve the mobility of library and information staff between the UK and Germany.
Cologne University of Applied Sciences was particularly interested in applying for CILIP accreditation as the programmes have a strong international flavour. CILIP accreditation was highly valued and it was felt that the University’s reputation would be enhanced by this external peer review from an international awarding body.
The newly accredited programmes are at both Bachelor and Masters level; BA Library Science, BSc Information Management and Business Administration and MA Library and Information Science.
The accreditation process followed a thorough review of all the course materials and supporting documentation. Representatives from the CILIP Accreditation Board visited the University and met with the staff and students.
The Chair of the Board, Dr Ian Lovecy commented “This initiative came from the University and is an endorsement of the value of CILIP’s accreditation process. This process ensures that accredited courses give students the background they need, not only in information skills but in knowledge of the legal framework, management and marketing, information literacy teaching, and of course IT skills.”
Prof Dr Haike Meinhardt from the Cologne University of Applied Sciences welcomed accreditation, “We are the first university in Germany to apply for and achieve CILIP accreditation in the field of library and information science and we are very proud of completing this process successfully. International accreditation by one of the most important associations of our profession opens new opportunities for international interchange and cross-border collaboration for the whole University. The overall experience was very pleasant and co-operative and we appreciated the very helpful professional support of the CILIP Accreditation Board.”
Professor Dr Achim Osswald from the University of Applied Sciences said “Since the work based Master programme Library and Information Science is based on an international view on developments in the field, accreditation by CILIP will offer advanced opportunities for further cooperation and exchange. In addition accreditation will be very helpful to increase awareness of the programme by students and colleagues in Germany and abroad.”
Prof Ragna Seidler-de Alwis from the University of Applied Sciences added “The accreditation will enhance the opportunities for students in the field of Library Science and Information Management and Business Administration to find traineeships and work placements in the UK and other English-speaking countries - an excellent initiative towards internationalization.”
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Press contact:
Marion Huckle, Head of Qualifications and Professional Development, CILIP
Tel: 020 7255 0613
Email: marion.huckle@cilip.org.uk