From 2007 to 2009, Fogler Library will be participating in the University of Maine’s New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reaccreditation process, which takes place every ten years. NEASC’s mission is to assist educational institutions in establishing and maintaining high standards and meeting the goals of school effectiveness, improvement, and public assurance. NEASC standards, as well as the policies and procedures of the University of Maine System, guide the University of Maine’s academic review policy.

All aspects of the University, including such areas as teaching, student services, research, the physical plant, and finances are covered by the NEASC standards. Library and information technology resources are covered by NEASC Standard Seven, which states: “The institution demonstrates sufficient and appropriate information resources and services and instructional and information technology and utilizes them to support the fulfillment of its mission.” Standard 7 has twelve sections that the library must address, including finances, staffing, the collection, education of students regarding library resources, and the physical and electronic environment. The 2007 LibQUAL survey, which gave students, staff, and faculty a voice regarding library service quality, is just one of many pieces of the puzzle that aids the library in writing a response to the NEASC review.

The library has prepared a draft document for its standard, as have all other units on campus. Early in 2008, the University will undergo a mock review in preparation for the real accreditation visit, which will take place in 2009. This will give everyone a chance to revise and add to their documentation as recommended by the reviewers.
For more information about the NEASC review process, see the Academic Affairs web page at
http://www.umaine.edu/provost/program_criteria.html.