Statement of the problem

Since the formation successful professional practitioners is achieved through proper and efficient academic preparation, the quality of higher education is one of the most important aspects entailed in the performance of a professional equipped with a body of knowledge and competencies learned during his or her education. Nonetheless, some areas of professional performance exhibit limitations and other deficiencies that could be improved. Consequently, it is necessary to carry out a dynamic process to study the diverse aspects that influence, whether positively or negatively, in the academic formation of certain professionals. In this sense, governments of diverse countries in the world have created and promoted review dynamics and self-regulatory or self-evaluation processes in universities and corresponding academic programs. One of said dynamics is the definition of self-evaluation protocols with the aim of achieving high accreditation scores and attendant prestige in larger society. This paper aims to learn about the most recent self-evaluation carried out in the Inter-American School of Library Science of the University of Antioquia for the purpose of securing High Quality Accreditation for its Library Science program.

Objectives

The objectives sought by the self-evaluation process are set as per the guidelines issued by the National Accreditation Board of the Colombian Ministry of Education. Consequently, the academic programs accreditation process pursues the following objectives: (^{Ministerio de Educación Nacional, Consejo Nacional de Acreditación, 2006a: 38}):

Self-evaluation stage

Within the framework of high quality accreditation, self-evaluation constitutes an important instrument of reflection and support for the purpose of reviewing the degree of quality of the institution of higher education or a given academic program. This process includes an evaluation of the university or given academic program carried out by the institution itself on the basis of criteria defined by the agency coordinating the quality assurance programs in each country. In Colombia, this agency is the National Accreditation Board, which in turn is an agency of the National Education Ministry. The self-evaluation criteria are expressed in factors, characteristics and indicators (^{MEN/CNA, 2006a: 49}).

Each institution must implement a self-evaluation that includes the participation and commitment of constituent stakeholders; that is, students, teachers, administrators, directors, alumni and employers. Moreover, the following stages are required:

External peer evaluation stage

This stage is carried out fundamentally on the basis of the self-evaluation report, on which basis results are verified. The stage also entails identification of the internal operation conditions of the university or academic program under study, ultimately allowing a judgment to be issued with regard to the quality of said university or academic program.

This activity is the responsibility of the external peer, who on the basis of the self-evaluation identify the internal operation conditions of the university or academic program, verify data, compare documentation and information gathered directly in meetings with stakeholders (teachers, directors, students, alumni and employers); and finally issue conclusions in a peer report submitted to the agency authorized in each country to coordinate the quality assurance process. In Colombia, this agency is the CNA. This process is carried out on the basis of program accreditation guidelines and legal standards governing the program accreditation process for accredited institutions.

Final evaluation stage

This stage entails the final evaluation issued by the coordinating agency in charge of quality assurance in the country, i.e., the Colombian National Accreditation Board, and includes the results of the self-evaluation and external peer evaluation.

Using the information supplied by external peers, who have issued an assessment of the quality of the program and recommendations for improvement of the same, the CNA assess the evaluation and submits its judgment to the National Education Ministry, the agency with final authority to renew the high quality accreditation.

EIB Self-evaluation process

In the case of the Inter-American School of Library Science (EIB) of the University of Antioquia, the self-evaluation is the activity by which the Academic Unit analyzes and examines the condition and quality of one of its academic programs, i.e., the Library Science program. In fact, it is the key strategy used to examine its commitments and procedures, while gathering information needed to understand to what degree programs are fulfilling their mission and objectives; as well their relevance, quality and commitment to ongoing improvement. Moreover, this examination serves to assess to what degree the profession is socially viable. To achieve this end, the school implements and executes a self-evaluation process involving all stakeholders (students, professors, alumni, administrators, directors and employers), for the purpose of submitting results to the scrutiny of academic peers who in turn express their views regarding the conditions and quality of the Library Science Program.

In the Inter-American School of Library Science of the University of Antioquia, the self-evaluation process is deployed in three phases: (^{Universidad de Antioquia Escuela Interamericana de Bibliotecología, 2011: 40}):

Establishment of the committee

The coordinating committee consists of three professors with experience in the EIB in accreditation self-evaluation processes. The purpose of this committee is to consolidate the evaluation as a key component of the Library Science Program on the basis of a participative methodology in close contact with the actors involved in the evaluation process.

In order to have an instrument that can serve as a road map for the development of this activity, the committee designs a self-evaluation action plan, which contemplates the tasks, calendar and duties involved. This plan is subject to ongoing review and adjustment. Moreover, the plan is shared with all of the stakeholders in the academic community, i.e., students, administrators, alumni and employers. This action plan becomes the basic tool for orienting and regulating the process, and its main purpose is to juxtapose the information gathered against the context and reality of the program under review. Consequently, the main activity is focused on the constant analysis of the information and communication with the academic community.

Process methodology design

The self-evaluation process is designed and developed with a qualitative-interpretive focus, employing a case study methodology using primary and secondary sources of information. This approach employs documental analysis, surveys and group discussions. This stage entails the definition of the population, the techniques and instruments for gathering information, and the analysis and interpretation of the information.

Process results

The process of self-evaluation of the Library Science undergraduate program focused on the revision of the 2003-2007 Improvement Plan, in the light of the strengths and weaknesses found by CNA. It is also informed by a comparison of the documents that govern the institutional duties; the results of the surveys applied to the target groups within the EIB academic community; weights accorded to assessment factors; the scores earned for each characteristic and the indicators proposed by CNA.

Consequently, upon executing an analysis of the 152 indicators distributed among 42 characteristics established by CAN to evaluate the quality of the Library Science program, it became apparent that conditions exist to demonstrate the program's quality, as can be seen in the grades obtained in each of the eight factors which are described in more detail below.

Institutional Educational Project (IEP). The school has an IEP, but it needs to be updated in light of the new academic programs and changes in curriculum occurring in recent years. For the period evaluated, two curricular improvements were carried out, which is evidence of ongoing evaluation of the curriculum.

Professors. The faculty has continued to secure professional credentials. To date, all of the professors on staff hold or are candidates for master's degree or PhD. The school is also remarkable for its interdisciplinary character, which is staffed by professors boasting expertise in diverse fields associated with Library Science. The academic output and participation of professors in academic forums and conferences continues to grow, evidencing increasing visibility of the school in both national and international venues.

Students. Inclusion of ICT as part of the professional training of students is remarkable. In the area of research, the modalities of Students in Formation, Research Auxiliaries and Young Researchers are outstanding. Moreover student-professor interactions and communication, and the accessibility of administrative staff with regard to the student community are also worthy of note. A high percentage of students entered the Library Science School as a second option, and they are gradually developing a sense of belonging as they align their personal interests and motivations with the field.

Academic process. For the period under evaluation, several curricular improvements were effectuated, giving rise to the fourth version of the curriculum, which has enjoyed the favor and acceptance of students, professors and extra-institutional sectors. These changes have favored reflection on the foundations of the profession and the roles of the information professional in society.

In addition to these curricular improvements, the school has launched new programs, inducting new cohorts into the Information Science master's degree program, the Publishing and Edition Specialization and the Archive Technology Specialist undergrad program; the latter of which arose from the Library Science School's efforts to respond to the requirements of professional practice. In this way, the school made the determination to strengthen the discipline by offering separate undergraduate studies and merging research activities with its post-graduate programs, bringing together all of these under the umbrella of information sciences."

Institutional wellbeing. The programs and activities of the School aim to provide an environment that promotes the consolidation of the academic community and the comprehensive preparation of the student, while also reducing desertion factors. To achieve this, the Wellbeing Coordination Office of the School carried out community-wide educational, cultural, recreational and financial aid activities, as well as targeted support actions in the areas of academics, and physical and mental health.

Administration, organization and management. One the School's most salient achievements lies in the area of curriculum management, which has received high ratings across the entire academic community, which praises the performance of the Academic Formation Office and acknowledges the outstanding work of the Directorate Office and administrative support personnel.

Alumni and impact in society. Outreach and external consulting efforts are very important for the School. Through such actions, the School establishes contact with larger society, allowing the academy to participate in society, while keeping abreast of the realities of the working world and identifying the needs and demands of employers. Moreover, by working in a consulting and advisory role, the School gathers invaluable feedback, which is used to improve the curriculum. According to the scores assigned, alumni-School interaction and the impact of ongoing professional education are areas in need of improvement.

Physical and financial resources. A university level educational institution requires appropriate budget management in order to operate properly. In this regard, the investments committed by the School in recent years in the physical plant, classrooms, equipment, furnishings and informatics resources are quite remarkable. Moreover, the School has made considerable efforts to support participation of stakeholders in academic event. All of these actions are key to ensuring the proper implementation of the program. A significant percentage of these resources are devoted to providing university extension and outreach services.

Overall assessment of the program

In light of the strengths and weaknesses found by the CNA, the internal institutional comparison and the results of surveys applied to stakeholder groups in the EIB academic community, it is evident that the 2003-2007 Improvement Plan has fulfilled stated goals and has made a proper accounting to society. Moreover, the Plan carried forward actions to enhance the School's quality and social affiliation, as can be seen in the renewal of its qualified registration; and in the following academic programs: Library Science, Archival Technology, Specialization in Information Services Management, and Specialization in Publication and Edition. This outlook is also support by the launch of the Information Science master's degree program, and the approval of the professionalization of the Archival Technology program, as well as by a broad range of activities and supports associated with public policy in reading and libraries, the Student Talent Stimulus and Young Researchers programs, as well as management of profitable, professional consulting contracts.

The weaknesses in terms of students and professors that persist are structural in nature: that is, they correspond to the conditions of the country's educational system. Nonetheless, the School has implemented diverse mechanisms to achieve quantitative and qualitative improvements in its teaching staff, promoting and supporting teachers' effort to attain master's degrees and doctorates. This holds true for both staff faculty and associate professors. These actions include support for professors wishing to attend national and international events and for service on administrative commissions. Moreover, the School supports ongoing education and sabbatical leave for qualified candidates. The school has also had notable success in promoting public calls for papers among the professional teaching and research staff, which has had a positive impact on publication of research and concomitant improvements in remuneration.

Student desertion rates have been lowered, while making their passage through the program of studies much more agile. These achievements can be attributed to the many programs deployed by the University Wellbeing Office and counseling services provided by the Academic Formation Office. The executive directors have not failed to invite students to participate in diverse academic-administrative agencies.

The lack of flexibility of the curriculum is a weakness that is currently being addressed through the design of strategies to associate students with the three latest versions of the plan of studies, which include providing common core courses in Archival Technology, promotion of the Sígueme [Follow me] program, recognition of elective course credits successfully completed in other schools and new professional elective options.

Moreover, the strengths identified in previous evaluation reports have been preserved and consolidated. These elements include: the Revista Interamericana de Bibliotecología (RIB) [Inter-American Library Science Journal], assigned to category A2 of Publindex, and the Grupo de Investigación en Información, Conocimiento y Sociedad [Information, Knowledge and Society Research Group], assigned category A in Colciencias; an overall increase in research and papers published and professional consulting contracts; continuity of the Student Talent Stimulus and participation in the Young Researchers program; ongoing curricular evaluation activities made patent in curriculum versions five and six; national and international acknowledgement of the School and its professors in the form of awards, including the Premio [Prize] Luis Florén (ASEIBI), Premio Rubén Pérez Ortiz (ASCOLBI) and the Juan del Corral Order of Merit from the Medellin Council. The prevalence of master's and doctorate degrees among the faculty is also remarkable. Finally, one of the principle strengths stressed by the CNA is associated with the administration and management of the program, which during the period under evaluation was consolidated and strengthened, as evidenced in the annual action plans and corresponding management reports.

Also remarkable are the implementation of innovative actions such as securing for the second time qualified registration of the program; the launch of the Edition and Publishing Specialization; the launch of the first cohort of twelve candidates in the Information Sciences Master's program, hailing from fields as diverse as engineering, library science, social communication and nutrition; numerous consulting contracts and participation in establishment of public policy in the areas of reading (CERLALC, National Plan for Reading and Libraries, Municipality of Medellin, Library Parks); the development of the Student Talent Stimulus program; participation in the Young researchers program directed by the Vice Rector's Office of Research of the University of Antioquia and the School's capacity to self-finance the program.

In accord with the guidelines of the National Accreditation Board and the results of the self-evaluation, we conclude that the Library Science program has earned a high quality score of 4.1 out 5 possible points, a score achieved on the basis of fully addressing and remediating the weaknesses cited in the 2004 report. We fully expect the School to preserve its strengths and to persevere in the implementation of innovative actions to promote the growth of the EIB in accord with the increasing demands of society, and within a context of multifaceted competition, complex interconnectivity and rapid change.

External evaluation

The external evaluation states that the factors undergoing self-evaluation within the EIB have an overall compliance rank of "in high degree." This evaluative judgment is supported by the following strengths observed:

The faculty teaching staff is of a very high level, the staff has been expanded [...] Strong incidence of staff studying for master's or doctorate degrees [...]. The areas of research and outreach are quite solid and with the potential of generating high level knowledge that can be exploited much more in terms of bringing in revenue and ensuring the sustainability of the School. The School had Colciencias category A research groups with papers published. There is ample evidence of increased research activity in conjunction with the continuation of the Inter American Library Science Journal (RIB) in category A2 of Publindex; the participation of academic staff in national and international colloquies, in addition to a body of papers translated for publication in foreign journals [...]. The academic community (students, teacher and administrators) is very strong and cohesive, working in an atmosphere of trust and security [...]. The School has near- and medium-term plans to strengthen all facets associated with teaching, research and administration of the EIB (External peer evaluation report, July 2012).

Final evaluation and public acknowledgement of quality

On the basis of a review and analysis of the information contained in the reports on the processes of self-evaluation and external peer evaluation, the National Accreditation Board of Colombia submitted a definitive assessment to the Colombian Ministry of Education, which is the authority ultimately granting the renewal of the High Quality Accreditation of the Library Science Program. Consequently, on November 19, 2012, it issued Resolution number 14957 by which the High Quality Accreditation is extended for a term of eight years. This accreditation is granted on the basis of the program's continuing relevance, interdisciplinary nature, curricular flexibility in the service of developing students' research competencies , the strength of the teaching staff, increased academic output and the School's outstanding cooperative effort among local, national and international academic communities, as well as its collaboration with professional guilds and the "Information, Knowledge and Society" research group, classified by Colciencias in category A; the Inter-American Library Science Journal, classified at A2 by Publindex and the recognition of and awards earned by the School and its faculty from ASEIBI, ASCOLBI and local governmental authorities.

Notwithstanding having secured the renewal of the High Quality Accreditation, the Library Science program must focus its attention on strengthening the teaching staff, research activities, bilateral national and international mobility of teachers and students, and building relationships with alumni. The school should also seek a better balance between administrative and academic activities of faculty. It should also promote participation of the student body in decision making instances of the program, while improving the transition between the diverse versions of the curriculum and optimizing the quality of the supply of technology for the program and achieving further reduction in the desertion rate.