HSCL Integration and College of Medicine Accreditation

The report to the Provost also provided information about the role of the Health Science Center Libraries in the accreditation of the College of Medicine. The text is provided below.

LCME Accreditation

The University of Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). On June 25, 2007, Robert Eaglen, Ph.D., Interim LCME Secretary, wrote to President Machen concerning action taken by the LCME with respect to the College of Medicine at its meeting on June 5-7, 2007. Dr. Eaglen statements include:

The LCME noted the following areas in transition whose outcome could affect the school’s ongoing compliance with accreditation standards: Stability of library services. The library’s ability to continue to meet the college’s educational and other needs will be challenged by anticipated staff retirements and the uncertainty of ongoing funding sources for its operation. (p.3)

On the same page, Dr. Eaglen stipulates: The second report, which should be submitted to both LCME Secretaries by May 1, 2009, should provide the following information regarding the two areas in transition:

Stability of library services. Provide a chart or graph depicting library funding, total print collections for books and journals, total electronic collections for books and journals, and total numbers of professional staff for the three most recent years. Summarize any successes or challenges in identifying stable funding sources for the library.

On page 4, Dr. Eaglen states:

If there are plans to significantly modify the educational program, or if there is to be a substantial change in student enrollment or in the resources of the institution so that the balance is distorted, the LCME expects to receive prior notice of the proposed change.

In addition, on page 1, Dr. Eaglen also identifies, under “… areas of partial or substantial noncompliance with accreditation standards,” issues concerning adequate study space, lounge areas and rooms for small-group sessions. These are concerns that the HSCL could readily address through much needed renovation.

The next accreditation review is scheduled for August 1, 2009, with the library report due to the College of Medicine by July 1, 2009. This is a wonderful opportunity to document commitments for improved HSCL funding and plans for renovation of its facilities, as well as to inform LCME about the integration and the resulting efficiencies.