<div dir="ltr"><div>This change was proposed 10 years ago during the most recent revision of the standards but was successfully tabled because of the massive amount of input from librarians. The thinking of the Association at the time was if they prescribed a hiring practice for libraries then they also had to do it for all departments on campus. This of course is flawed thinking. In my opinion, we need to stress that librarians are teachers, that we have high level degrees that make us uniquely qualified to teach information literacy and how to manage the enormous amount of information (often incorrect) at student's disposal and of course how to deal with AI. These students are our future, let's prepare them for it!</div><div>Nancy Hoover</div><div><br></div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 12:09 PM Mark Peterson via Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div class="msg9191792782401891725">
<div lang="EN-US" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="m_-7180069082906254385WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Please see below.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">There was an email sent out by a member of the Oregon library community that didn’t seem to go through.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<div>
<div>
<div id="m_-7180069082906254385x_divtagdefaultwrapper">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Have a great day!</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mark Peterson</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black">Faculty Librarian, Collection Management Coordinator</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mt. Hood Community College</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Or 97030</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><a href="mailto:mark.peterson@mhcc.edu" target="_blank">mark.peterson@mhcc.edu</a></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">(503) 491-7693</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<div>
<div style="border-width:1pt medium medium;border-style:solid none none;border-color:rgb(225,225,225) currentcolor currentcolor;padding:3pt 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Max Macias <<a href="mailto:max.macias@gmail.com" target="_blank">max.macias@gmail.com</a>>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, February 20, 2026 11:20 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Mark Peterson <<a href="mailto:Mark.Peterson@mhcc.edu" target="_blank">Mark.Peterson@mhcc.edu</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO <<a href="mailto:Wendy.CORNELISEN@slo.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Wendy.CORNELISEN@slo.oregon.gov</a>>; <a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>; Academic Library Directors announcement list (<a href="mailto:al-directors@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">al-directors@omls.oregon.gov</a>) <<a href="mailto:al-directors@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">al-directors@omls.oregon.gov</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Libs-Or] [EXTERNAL] Re: IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: NWCC Accreditation Standards Update<u></u><u></u></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100%" style="width:100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="0" style="width:0.3pt;background:rgb(166,166,166);padding:5.25pt 1.5pt">
</td>
<td width="100%" style="background:revert;border:revert;color:revert;direction:revert;display:revert;font-size:revert;height:revert;letter-spacing:revert;line-height:revert;margin:revert;opacity:revert;outline:revert;overflow:revert;padding:revert;table-layout:revert;text-align:revert;text-indent:revert;text-orientation:revert;text-overflow:revert;text-transform:revert;vertical-align:revert;white-space:revert;width:revert;word-break:revert;word-spacing:revert;writing-mode:revert;zoom:revert">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">You don't often get email from
<a href="mailto:max.macias@gmail.com" target="_blank">max.macias@gmail.com</a>. <a href="https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification" target="_blank">
Learn why this is important</a> <u></u><u></u></span></p>
</div>
</td>
<td width="75" style="background:revert;border:revert;color:revert;direction:revert;display:revert;font-size:revert;height:revert;letter-spacing:revert;line-height:revert;margin:revert;opacity:revert;outline:revert;overflow:revert;padding:revert;table-layout:revert;text-align:revert;text-indent:revert;text-orientation:revert;text-overflow:revert;text-transform:revert;vertical-align:revert;white-space:revert;width:revert;word-break:revert;word-spacing:revert;writing-mode:revert;zoom:revert">
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<div style="border:2.25pt solid rgb(156,101,0);padding:1pt">
<p style="line-height:12pt;background:rgb(255,235,156)"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(255,5,5)">CAUTION:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> This email originated from outside of the MHCC organization. Do not
click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you all!!<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hf-UhMlPQ0RcWuwxo4fWJHwVOcwdP9GHUmsmzRVqpg0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">
template</a> that might make it easier to submit and is based upon the accreditation standards.
<u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Respectfully, <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Max Macias <u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:13<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span>AM Mark Peterson via Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>> wrote:<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="border-width:medium medium medium 1pt;border-style:none none none solid;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor currentcolor rgb(204,204,204);padding:0in 0in 0in 6pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-right:0in">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">On behalf of the entire ACRL-OR board:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Thank you Wendy and Bryan for your support!!</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<div id="m_-7180069082906254385m_-7972207382101575639x_divtagdefaultwrapper">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Have a great day!</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mark Peterson</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black">Faculty Librarian, Collection Management Coordinator</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mt. Hood Community College</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Or 97030</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"><a href="mailto:mark.peterson@mhcc.edu" target="_blank">mark.peterson@mhcc.edu</a></span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">(503) 491-7693</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div style="border-width:1pt medium medium;border-style:solid none none;padding:3pt 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO via Libs-Or<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, February 20, 2026 10:25 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Academic Library Directors announcement list (<a href="mailto:al-directors@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">al-directors@omls.oregon.gov</a>) <<a href="mailto:al-directors@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">al-directors@omls.oregon.gov</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [EXTERNAL] Re: [Libs-Or] IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: NWCC Accreditation Standards Update</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
<div style="border:2.25pt solid rgb(156,101,0);padding:1pt">
<p style="line-height:12pt;background:rgb(255,235,156)">
<b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:rgb(255,5,5)">CAUTION:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> This email originated from outside of the MHCC organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Thank you, Bryan, and the ACRL-OR Board, for highlighting this important topic. Please see attached for the message I sent to NWCCU President, which
says in part:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Libraries, and the trained librarians who make them possible, help spark the curiosity and creativity that are core to
the mission of every institution of higher education. Information is essential to any field of study. The amount of readily available information is increasing exponentially. Students and faculty must sift through that growing data to determine what is useful,
credible, and current. That task can be daunting for new students and seasoned experts alike.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">This is the power of professionally trained librarians. Every day, these valuable personnel are finding, evaluating, collecting,
and facilitating access to information. Librarians share their expertise with students and faculty by:
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.5in">
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">• Providing instruction on information literacy and research skills.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.5in">
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">• Keeping costs affordable by providing access to resources that help students succeed.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.5in">
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">• Creating learning conducive spaces and technology hubs.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639msolistparagraph" style="margin-left:0.75in">
<u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Increasing student feelings of belonging and engagement.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639msolistparagraph" style="margin-left:0.75in">
<u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Assisting with multi-disciplinary work and other research.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639msolistparagraph" style="margin-left:0.75in">
<u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Promoting equity for underserved and under-resourced communities, who may need additional support gaining critical evaluation and research skills.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Professional librarians, together with support staff, are essential to effective and equitable educational institutions.
Libraries are more than book warehouses. They are a set of services that ensure equitable access to information, support students and faculty, encourage information literacy, and instruct in skills necessary to succeed in today’s academic environment.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Organizations such as NWCCU should be encouraging institutions of higher education to employ professional librarians,
as this will help each institution meet their mission while providing students with the most affordable, well-rounded educational experience that will prepare them for the challenges to come. I urge you to retain reference to having qualified library personnel
in the 2027 NWCCU Standards for Accreditation.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Please let me know if you have any questions.
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5pt"><span style="color:black">Thanks,
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5pt"><span style="color:black"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5pt"><span style="color:black">Wendy
</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5pt"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:5pt"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:black">Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">
State Librarian<u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">
State Library of Oregon<u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">
<a href="mailto:wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov</span></a>
<u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%">
Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992<br>
<a href="http://www.oregon.gov/library" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.oregon.gov/library</span></a><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="218" height="61" style="width: 2.2708in; height: 0.6354in;" id="m_-7180069082906254385m_-7972207382101575639Picture_x0020_27" src="cid:ii_19c8c0e50094cff311" alt="Title: State Library of Oregon"><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div style="border-width:1pt medium medium;border-style:solid none none;padding:3pt 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or-bounces@omls.oregon.gov</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Bryan Miyagishima via Libs-Or<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:00 PM<br>
<b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Libs-Or] IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: NWCC Accreditation Standards Update</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'd like to echo Mark's request to provide input to NWCCU regarding their proposed change to accreditation language. Accreditation is one of the few pieces of leverage that academic
libraries have to ensure continued/improved staffing. Do I think that institutions would take advantage of reduced standards to reduce library costs? Please keep in mind that even with the current NWCCU language several of our academic institutions, including
Linn-Benton Community College, Oregon Coast Community College, and the University of Oregon have greatly reduced staffing in the last few years. <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you believe that information literacy and research instruction is vital for our students, you want our libraries to have qualified personnel. If you believe that collection development
and support that meets the needs of local programs is important, you want our libraries to have qualified personnel. If you believe that academic librarians lend themselves to course, program, and student excellence at our institutions then you wish for them
to have qualified personnel. <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">And if you feel that just because you're a public or school or special librarian that you are not qualified to comment, please know that you are a community member whose community
is served by graduates of your local college, and whose financial health is impacted by the quality of your local college. Therefore you are a stakeholder and your voice is important. Although I am. no longer working in academia I shall be sending in my own
input.<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bryan Miyagishima,<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oregon Library Association Vice-President<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Thu, Feb 19, 2026 at 2:58<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span>PM Mark Peterson via Libs-Or <<a href="mailto:libs-or@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">libs-or@omls.oregon.gov</a>>
wrote:<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="border-width:medium medium medium 1pt;border-style:none none none solid;padding:0in 0in 0in 6pt;margin:5pt 0in 5pt 4.8pt;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor currentcolor rgb(204,204,204)">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Dear Oregon Library Community</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">On behalf of the ACRL-OR Board</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">We are writing to alert you to a critical proposed change in the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accreditation
standards that would significantly weaken requirements for academic library staffing across our region.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">What's Changing</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">NWCCU is currently revising their 2020 Accreditation Standards for implementation in 2027. They are proposing to remove the requirement
that institutions "employ qualified personnel" from the library resources standard.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Current 2020 Standard (2.H.1):</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> "Consistent with its mission, the institution employs
qualified personnel and provides access to library and information resources with a level of currency, depth, and breadth sufficient to support and sustain the institution's mission, programs, and services."</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Proposed 2027 Standard (2.F.1):</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> "Consistent with its mission, the institution provides
access to library and information resources with a level of currency, depth, and breadth sufficient to support and sustain the institution's mission, programs, and services."</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Why This Matters</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">This change eliminates accountability for employing credentialed library professionals at accredited institutions. Academic librarianship
requires specialized graduate education, typically a Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program, in information organization, research methodologies, instructional design, and collection management. Removing this requirement:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Creates permission for institutions to eliminate or leave vacant librarian positions</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Disproportionately harms students at under-resourced institutions who rely most on professional library support</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Undermines libraries' essential role in information literacy, research consultation, and student success</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Weakens institutional capacity to manage complex information resources and vendor relationships</span><u></u><u></u></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Recommended Actions</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Submit individual feedback to NWCCU expressing opposition to removing "employs qualified personnel" and advocating for strengthened language
that explicitly recognizes librarian expertise</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">You input on this proposed change can be submitted to NWCCU here:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nwccu.tfaforms.net/55" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">https://nwccu.tfaforms.net/55</span></a><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Feedback Opportunity</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Learn more about the proposed changes here:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nwccu.org/standards/standards-revision/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">https://nwccu.org/standards/standards-revision/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Sample Feedback Language</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">We have prepared key points you can adapt for your own submission:</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Diminished accountability</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> - Removes measurable standards for professional library staffing, making it difficult to evaluate institutional compliance with quality
expectations</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Inequitable outcomes</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> - Under-resourced institutions may use this change as justification to eliminate or leave vacant librarian positions, disproportionately harming
students at community colleges and smaller institutions who most need professional support</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Compromised student success</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> - Loss of professional research consultation and information literacy instruction directly impacts students' ability to complete coursework,
develop critical thinking skills, and meet program learning outcomes</span><u></u><u></u></li><li class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639m-9219453870755723544msolistparagraph">
<b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Institutional mission negligence</span></b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> - Without specialized librarian expertise in collection development, licensing negotiations, archives, and emerging and cutting-edge
technologies, institutions waste resources and cannot adequately support faculty scholarship or curricular needs</span><u></u><u></u></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">This is a critical moment for academic libraries in the Northwest. Your voice matters. Please take action and encourage your colleagues
to do the same. If you have questions or need assistance preparing feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Thank you for your support!</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in">
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">ACRL-Oregon Board</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div id="m_-7180069082906254385m_-7972207382101575639m_-9219453870755723544x_divtagdefaultwrapper">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Have a great day!</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mark Peterson</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black">Faculty Librarian, Collection Management Coordinator</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">Mt. Hood Community College</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Or 97030</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:mark.peterson@mhcc.edu" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">mark.peterson@mhcc.edu</span></a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:rgb(33,33,33)">(503) 491-7693</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">--<br>
To remove yourself from the Libs-Or mailing list please send the word “unsubscribe” (without quotes) to
<a href="mailto:Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov</a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br clear="all">
<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
<span class="m_-7180069082906254385m-7972207382101575639gmailsignatureprefix">-- </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bryan Miyagishima (he/him), Director<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lincoln County Library District<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newport, Oregon<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">--<br>
To remove yourself from the Libs-Or mailing list please send the word “unsubscribe” (without quotes) to
<a href="mailto:Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov</a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br clear="all">
<u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="m_-7180069082906254385gmailsignatureprefix">-- </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:white">-</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(120,63,4)">Max Macias </span><a href="https://www.name-coach.com/max-macias" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18.5pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:rgb(136,91,192);text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="121" height="35" style="width: 1.2604in; height: 0.3645in;" id="m_-7180069082906254385_x0000_i1025" src="https://www.name-coach.com/images/emailsig/email-sig.jpeg" alt="A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature"></span></a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.5pt">Pronouns: | He, Him, His/They |</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:rgb(153,0,255)">Strengths:</span></b><span style="color:rgb(153,0,255)"> Input, Ideation, Context, Connectedness, Intellection</span><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:15.75pt">
<span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Merriweather;color:rgb(24,24,24);font-weight:normal">“The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.”<u></u><u></u></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(24,24,24)">―</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Merriweather;color:rgb(24,24,24)"> </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:rgb(51,51,51)">Charles
Bukowski</span></b><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ideas expressed in these emails in no way represent any organization's viewpoints, or opinions. The opinions, ideas and reflections are my own personal intellectual property.<u></u><u></u></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
<br>
Publishing<br>
<br>
<a href="http://lowriderlibrarian.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lowrider Librarian</a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.librarianswithspines.com/" target="_blank">Librarians With Spines </a><u></u><u></u></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
--<br>
To remove yourself from the Libs-Or mailing list please send the word “unsubscribe” (without quotes) to <a href="mailto:Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Libs-Or-request@omls.oregon.gov</a></div></blockquote></div>