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At 04:58 PM 11/11/2010, you wrote: >Yes and it has been bothering me since before I went to library >school. There seems to be an inherent anti-library bias on the part >of school boards and local politicians. My guess is that they don't >see librarians as any kind of teacher; they are enamored of any >technology they can get (as eliminating more of those pesky people >who want pay increases, etc.); and possibly see little value to any >kind of library. I agree it bothers me, too. I live in Chicago and read this story when it was first published on Oct 26. I made the following comment on the Tribune's web site. School librarians need an endorsement to be a certified librarian. They can get this endorsement in a post-graduate certificate program. The do not need a masters degree. Most public library librarians need at least one masters degree. Academic librarians can get started with one masters degree, but usually earn a second. I teach library school classes and I can assure you that to earn a masters degree requires a rigorous course of study. The difference between what a potential school librarian and a potential academic librarian learns is at most two courses. Most librarians can easily learn how to be a good librarian in another type of library. Most non-librarian faculty members do not have the understanding of information gathering and distribution to properly guide students. Trained librarians are needed for the success of students and faculty. School libraries tune their collection to the needs of the students and the school curriculum. Public libraries do not. ----- I have visited many CPS school libraries. I have yet to be impressed with the collections, rooms, or librarians. One library had a roof leak that prevented books from being stored in 1/4 of the library. Another had a floor that was a danger to walk on. Daniel Stuhlman Chicago, IL ddstuhlman at earthlink.net Blog: http://kol-safran.blogspot.com/ Latest entry Nov. 2 Podcast: http://ddstuhlman.podomatic.com