‘MTSU On the Record’ examines library science master’s degree process

The meticulous planning and hard work that goes into achieving accreditation for a master’s degree in library science will be the topic of the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Frank Lambert, an assistant professor of educational leadership and director of the program, will air from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, and from 6 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 28, on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

Lambert said the MTSU program requires students to pass 36 credit hours. Ten of the 12 classes are totally online. The two remaining classes are hands-on field experiences.

“One of the neat things about our program is that, regardless of where you’re located across the state or anywhere in the United States or quite literally around the world, you take the courses online at times that are convenient for you,” Lambert said. “Then you set up your field experiences wherever you’re located.”

To gain the American Library Association’s stamp of approval for a master’s degree in library science program, a university must undergo a rigorous procedure of inspection. The latest step was the submission of an annual report, which MTSU turned in on Feb. 15.

MTSU’s program has reached pre-candidacy status. The next step would be candidacy. Lambert said the program would remain in candidacy for about two years to generate enough data to inform ALA whether it is ready for accreditation. Meanwhile, the ALA’s Committee on Accreditation is also considering about 50 other annual reports from institutions across North America.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.