| The purpose of this study was to collect information from media specialists/librarians in the state of Nebraska to be compiled and analyzed concerning its application to the performances of such individuals; to examine perceptions of the adequacy of their educational preparation and its relationship to their ability to perform required job skills; to examine their perceptions of how important these skills or competencies are for them to perform their tasks effectively; and to identify the needs for continuing education.;A major finding of the study was that on 54 of the 60 competencies identified on the questionnaire the library/media specialists felt they were inadequately prepared. On a free response question on perceived needs seventy-three categories were identified for continuing education with microcomputers being identified as the most critical. Participants felt they were adequately prepared in establishing record-keeping systems and preparing reports; designing plans for new or remodeled facilities; using research methodology in solving educational and administrative problems; identifying problem areas for study and conducting research projects; identifying sources for purchasing materials; and in facilitating access to and delivery of materials for community, district or regional sources. In general the participants felt they needed to be better prepared to perform effectively in their schools.;A questionnaire including sixty-five items was developed for the survey. Sixty of the items were competency statements describing the functional abilities media specialists/librarians must use in job-related activities. It was mailed with a statement of introduction to 650 media specialists/librarians identified by the Nebraska State Department of Education. A return rate of 41.5 percent was obtained. Data from the returned questionnaires were organized, coded and processed through the Creighton University Academic Computer Center, utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Ten tables relating to the study were developed and presented from the data. |
