Summary

The object of analysis of this essay is the evaluation of the educational and social relevance of the library science careers of the State Distance University (UNED), between the period of 2010 to 2021. The analysis is based on a reflection from the socio-critical paradigm. It is addressed from a mixed approach and uses social, documentary, and statistical evaluation to identify the findings of the categories: educational inclusion dimension, social inclusion dimension and generation of specialized knowledge dimension. The main results identified were: wide coverage of the offer in the national territory, wide integration of women in the labor market and a documentary production focused on relevant issues to meet territorial needs in order to integrate people into the society of information, knowledge and learning. It is valued that the programs maintain a relationship with the aims and objectives of UNED and have provided a significant contribution to national and territorial development, and particularly, to the social mobility of women graduates.

Keywords Access to education; distance education; evaluation of education; relevance of education