During the last decade, the library profession has been confronted by a serious problem. More than 15 accredited graduate library schools in the United States have closed, including distinguished programs at the University of Chicago, the University of Southern California, and Columbia University. The closing of these schools raised critical issues about the future of the library profession, the place of library schools in higher education, and the role of libraries in society.

This book explores the causes and consequences of the recent closures of American library schools at a time...