A. Today there are some 60 odd schools accredited by the ALA, and we are of them after only a couple of years of existence. There are 12 graduate library schools which offer the doctorate, but the are in a class by themselves with the additional faculty and funds available for doctoral programs. With those other 40 plus schools which offer masters degree and or 6-year programs, we compare very favorably. In fact, the ALA was so impressed with our program when their accrediting team visited the University last summer that they have recommended that other schools follow and study our development. We will not be offering any doctoral programs in the foreseeable future because of the expense factor.
Doctoral programs are a very expensive means to education.
Besides, both UNC at Chapel Hill and Florida State already have programs so it would be kind of foolish for us to design our own. I think that the question of developing another doctoral program in this region is a rather moot one. My dream was to get the school started. I was here for a year trying to get it off the ground by myself, and I think it has come along amazingly well.