THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE LIBRARY OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN THE ACCREDITATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: FROM WORK EXPERIENCE

The purpose of the article is to acquaint readers with the experience of participation of the Scientific Library of Uzhhorod National University in the procedure of accreditation of educational programs. The article focuses on the role of the library in informing expert groups regarding compliance with the criteria of the higher education institution’s ability to provide education seekers with appropriate conditions for mastering educational programs. In particular, the main functions of the university library in supporting the educational and scientific process of the higher educational institution are determined. As a result of the study, the importance of presenting information to experts regarding the “Educational environment and material resources” criterion is substantiated, which contains the analysis, main characteristics and formation of the library fund with educational and scientific literature aiming to ensure the quality of educational programs. The study also reveals the role of the library in ensuring compliance with academic integrity by employees of higher education institutions and students of higher education, with the aim of preventing and detecting academic plagiarism. The library practice of providing access to information resources of scientometric databases Scopus and Web of Science is highlighted in the study. Considerable attention is directed to the openness of information about educational programs, degrees of higher education and qualifications, as well as information support (textbooks, study guides, monographs, peer-reviewed journals, electronic databases, etc.). The role and significance of the single electronic repository of scientific publications of UzhNU (DSpace.UzhNU) as a significant source of openness of science is revealed. The research substantiates the efficiency of the creation of the Center for Science and Information Support at the University. It has been proven that accreditation of educational programs in a higher education institution is an important factor in the development and improvement of the system of ensuring the quality of educational activities as well as the quality of higher education.