Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 University Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Certificate in Assessment


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Information Studies

Libraries, cultural heritage institutions, and other information-centric organizations regularly assess their collections, programs, and processes by using a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand user needs and have more responsive management. Assessments are used not only to understand the needs of the users, but also to determine how to support these needs and to evaluate how well the needs are being met. The data provided by thorough assessment can provide information to avoid risks and anticipate problems. Many libraries and information-centric organizations have implemented an ongoing, systemic process of assessment for strategic planning, operational tactics, and continuous improvement. 

The SOIS certificate in assessment provides:

  • A theoretical foundation of the values, methodologies, and applications of assessment, as well as an understanding of the social and organizational environments in which assessment occur.  
  • A practical foundation which includes using a wide variety of methods and tools to evaluate, measure, and document collections, programs, processes and other areas of organizations.

Additional Information


  • Certificates are offered for students currently pursuing a master of library and information science degree, a master of science in information management degree, or a master in business administration degree, as well as a post-master degree accreditation for returning scholars who want to add the specialization to a completed master’s degree. 
  • Students who graduate with a Dominican master’s degree lacking one or more courses towards a certificate can enroll in the course(s) any time within five years of graduating in order to add the certificate to their transcript. Students must enroll as a student-at-large (credit-bearing), not as an auditor (non-credit-bearing).
  • Students seeking two certificates may use courses that “count” toward more than one to fulfill requirements for both certificates. In other words, if a course is eligible for two certificates the student need only take it once, and may apply its credit toward both.
  • Students may also combine this certificate with other coursework toward the Master of Professional Studies .

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Information Studies