Introduction:
For new and experienced librarians the accreditation process can be a source of stress, but it also presents an opportunity to build liaison relationships and highlight library services and collections. This page is intended to help librarians new to navigating the ABET process and to support experienced librarians looking to refresh themselves about the ABET process or share about their latest experience.
The page is split into several sections following this introduction.
What is ABET:
Background
ABET is the organization that accredits associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree level programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology according to the standards of the profession. ABET has four accreditation commissions: Applied and Natural Science (ASNAC), Computing (CAC), Engineering (EAC), Engineering Technology (ETAC). ABET accredits programs, not degrees, departments, colleges, or institutions. ABET accredits “postsecondary, degree-granting programs offered by regionally accredited institutions in the United States and nationally accredited institutions outside the United States.” This “accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.” Accredited programs must request an evaluation every six years to renew the accreditation. When preparing for the accreditation process, engineering programs have two main governing documents that need to be addressed:
For all four accreditation commissions, Criterion 7 for baccalaureate (undergraduate) level programs states: “The library services and computing and information infrastructure must be adequate to support the scholarly and professional activities of the students and faculty.” This is similar to criterion MS7 for baccalaureate-master’s level programs and for master’s level program which states: “The library and information services, computing and laboratory infrastructure, and equipment and supplies must be available and adequate to support the education of the students and the scholarship and professional activities of the faculty. Remote or virtual access to laboratories and other resources may be employed in place of physical access when such access enables accomplishment of the program’s educational activities”. When preparing the self-study documentation, the Self-Study Questionnaires for each commission provides instructions, suggestions, and a template to the educational units. The current Self-Study Questionnaires for all four commissions mention the library by name in the Institutional Summary and in Criterion 7.
Applied And Natural Science Accreditation Commission
Computing Accreditation Commission
Engineering Accreditation Commission
Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission
Specifically, Criterion 7 section: “E. Library services asks: ‘Describe and evaluate the capability of the library (or libraries) to serve the program including the adequacy of the library’s technical collection relative to the needs of the program and the faculty, the adequacy of the process by which faculty may request the library to order books or subscriptions, the library’s systems for locating and obtaining electronic information, and any other library services relevant to the needs of the program.”
ABET Accreditation Process
ABET Accreditation is an 18 month process. Each institution varies, but there is a designated employee within the engineering program that coordinates the process and completes the required paperwork for the accreditation process. The librarian plays a small role within the accreditation process, providing a supplemental document with information on how the library supports Criterion 7. [All dates are approximations]
- October 1 – Your institution’s ABET coordinator will submit the Readiness Review, which requests to renew or initiate a new accreditation for each of their relevant programs. There is no requirement to address Criterion 7 in the Readiness Review. The librarian will not be part of this step.
- January 31 – Your institution’s ABET coordinator will submit the Request for Evaluation, which schedules general/comprehensive visits, interim visits, interim reports, or program terminations.
- July 1 – Your institution’s ABET coordinator will submit the Self-Study Report. Your institution’s ABET coordinator will reach out to you for a supplemental document with information on how the library supports Criterion 7 before this date.
- September – December – ABET Accreditors will make an on-site visit, lasting three days. Your institution’s ABET coordinator may reach out regarding a tour of the library and/or an interview.
- 1 week after the visit – Your institution’s ABET coordinator will provide the review team with corrections to any errors of fact in presentations at the exit meeting.
- 2-3 months after the visit – Your institution receives the Draft Statement, a formal communication of your review team’s findings.
- 3-4 months after the visit – During the 30-Day Due Process period your institution responds to any shortcomings identified in the Draft Statement.
- July – The ABET commissions meet to decide Accreditation Actions in July. At this meeting your program’s accreditation is discussed and determined.
- By August 31 – Your program is formally notified of the accreditation action via the Final Statement to the institution.
Preparing for ABET as a Librarian:
How institutions handle the ABET process varies from institution to institution. Just as how a university or program may handle the ABET process differently, how involved a librarian is in the process also varies. While the ABET experience of different librarians is diverse, it often presents an opportunity to strengthen liaison relationships, as well as highlight the instruction, collection, and other services provided by the library. This section outlines common expectations and practices that can be useful for engaging as a librarian with the ABET process.
Is there an ABET Committee at your University?
Most of the ABET processes detailed in the previous section fall outside the scope of a librarian and it is not uncommon for universities and colleges to have committees dedicated to ABET accreditation and also any other accreditation that program may require. An upcoming ABET review is an opportunity to reach out to such a committee and ask if they need supporting information from the library. It can be helpful to be proactive in this way so as not to receive a last minute request from a department chair for a list of library information. Depending on how such a committee is structured you may also be asked to serve on it as a library representative or to present to it. Both can be good opportunities to build deeper relationships with programs and faculty.
The Self Study Report
There is a section of every ABET self study report, Criterion 7.E. Library Services, where the program is asked:
Describe and evaluate the capability of the library (or libraries) to serve the program including the adequacy of the library’s technical collection relative to the needs of the program and the faculty, the adequacy of the process by which faculty may request the library to order books or subscriptions, the library’s systems for locating and obtaining electronic information, and any other library services relevant to the needs of the program.
As a librarian you can be tasked with writing this section, or providing information to support the writing of this section by a program. While such a description can be tailored to each individual program it is also possible to write a single description that can be used by all of the programs seeking ABET accreditation. A series of anonymized examples submitted by other librarians have been shared in the next section of this page that you are welcome to use to help structure your own report. If you have not been invited to participate in a committee you still might want to consider writing out a document that could be used for Criterion 7.E. as many librarians have mentioned receiving last minute requests from department chairs for such a document.
The Tour/Interview
During the ABET campus visit it is common for a scheduled interview and/or tour with a librarian to take place. The questions asked in these interviews/tours can vary greatly but there are certain themes that you can expect. First, you should be able to learn who the interviewer is before the interview takes place. It can be good practice to learn about the individual as it is not uncommon for the interviewer to ask about books, journals, standards, patents, databases, and/or other STEM materials more relevant to their background. Other topics that are often included in such an interview are, in no particular order:
- What instruction services are provided by the library?
- What is the process for acquiring a new item if it has been requested?
- What kind of spaces are provided by the library?
- What Standards are available to the students? Do you do instruction about standards?
- How are the students using the library materials and spaces?
- Are there specialty resources available to the students? (i.e. makerspace, data services, specialty computer lab, open educational resources, etc.)
Share your Recent ABET Experience
Results: Tell us about your recent ABET interview (Responses)
Criterion 7.E. Templates
We have created a few templates based on committee members previous experience with writing section 7.E. We will make them available as PDF on the OSF
FAQs
What should you expect during the interview?
Although there is no prescribed format for the interview, you can generally expect to discuss the library’s spaces, services, collections, and other ways it supports the accredited programs.
What kinds of questions do librarians get asked during the interview?
While questions vary depending on the reviewer, the most common topics of conversation include an overview of the availability of key resources, the types of services and support provided to program students, faculty, and researchers, and library involvement in instruction.
June 2025