Dear Members of the Board of Trustees:

The Metro Atlanta Library Association (MALA) wishes to add its voice of concern about the future of the School of Library and Information Studies. We join the American Library Association, the Coalition of Metro Atlanta Concerned Citizens, and others in asking for a reconsideration of the proposed closing of the Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies.

The Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies retains three unique qualities: that it is the only American Library Association accredited library school in Georgia, that it furthers a library studies curriculum focused on African American information resources, and that it provides Clark Atlanta University with the most diverse student and alumni body from among all the schools in the university.

Clark Atlanta's School of Library and Information Studies provides more librarians and information specialists with African American information resource credentials than any other library school in the country. Our library school graduates are found throughout the United States and beyond.

The state, national, and international library communities rely on Clark Atlanta's Library School to manage this responsibility.  MALA urges the board of trustees to hasten towards a full review of the facts about the continued viability of the Library School. We believe that the facts argue for a commitment to renew the excellence of a proud and longstanding Atlanta tradition, library science education with a unique African American focus at Clark Atlanta University.