Becoming Embedded by Supporting Departmental Accreditation: One Librarian’s Experience

Abstract

In June 2023, I was approached by two faculty members in the American University Math
and Statistics Department about adding Data Science to my list of supported subjects on
our website and creating a research guide about library resources. This simple ask is how
I learned that the Math and Statistics Department was officially adding a Data Science
bachelor’s degree option and that accreditors were coming in the fall of 2023. Beginning
with easy conversations around what the department was looking for and what they needed,
I was able to work with faculty throughout the summer to add new resources to our collection,
develop relationships with a department I rarely interact with, and convince the
accreditation team (both internal and external reviewers) that library involvement with
accreditation is important for student learning and success.