The purpose of this paper is to identify a set of variables for the sustainability of programs in LIS. Findings are presented from the literature of case histories, informed perspectives and academic and professional task forces on closure of LIS programs, and other academic programs, including Education, Nursing and Social Work. General studies that discuss indicators of quality and the relative merit for the sustainability of academic programs overall are reviewed and incorporated. Thirteen propositions, centering on leadership, centrality, quality and status, financial impact and social/political capital and presence, were generated from the research and validated by LIS deans and directors. Discussion here is of predictive and academic interest to LIS and other program leaders -- deans, directors and faculty -- tasked with charting the long-term sustainability of their programs.