Reactions By A School Librarian

It may appear strange to a group of public library children's librarians to have a school librarian in their midst; however, elementary school librarians are children's librarians, too, and I am delighted that the planners of the institute share this view. I admit that I love my job, but do not love all children; liking children and liking to work with them in a library is what is important. My favorite professional colleagues have always been public children's librarians and the ALA involvement that has brought me the greatest satisfaction has been with the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Therefore, to be included at this institute discussing children's services of public libraries seems very fitting. I have tried to pinpoint problems mentioned at this institute that are common to both school and public libraries. Some concerns were brought up by more than one speaker. Peggy Sullivan referred to the isolation of the children's librarian. Mary Jane Anderson pointed out the geographical isolation (except for those in urban areas) of children's librarians. I submit that school librarians are even more in isolation. They neither work in a building with another librarian nor under an administrator with a background in librarianship. The solution for both school and public librarians appears to be simple. Every suburban branch is surrounded by several elementary school libraries. Why are there seldom, if ever, mutual meetings, mutual exchanges, sharing of mutual concerns?published or submitted for publicatio