Are Librarians Prepared to Serve Young Children

A literature review of the qualifications of public librarians who work with children under six years of age indicated that these professionals lack sufficient understanding of the development and learning process of their young clientele. Needs assessment surveys and statements made by library educators, children's coordinators/ administrators, and children's librarians, support the premise that both the library school curriculum and the continuing education training of children's librarians should be altered to emphasize particular competencies for serving preschool patrons. The results of this study support the findings of the earlier studies. ONE of the most crucial areas to be considered in public library work with children under six is personnel. The Executive Secretary of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) of the American Library Association, MJ. Anderson, stated in 1977 that personnel should be the top priority in improving service to children, rather than concentrating efforts on space, programs, or materials.1 Library literature not only documents the importance of having qualified personnel to work with young children, but also describes particular desirable attributes which children's librarians should possess. At least four sources specify that a knowledge of children is a necessary prerequisite for children's librarians. The Standards For Children's Sendees In Public Libraries states, in the personnel section, that children's librarians are qualified by formal training and personal attributes in understanding and working with children of all ages.2 According to L.M. Harrod, chil