AN EXAMINATION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION NEEDS AND ATTITUDES OF RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY PRACTITIONERS IN KANSAS

The purpose of this study was to identify the needs and examine the attitudes of rural public librarians in Kansas in regard to continuing library education. A further examination was made as to (1) the reasons for the lack of participation in existing continuing education activities; (2) factors prevalent in identifying the characteristics of those persons who were interested in continuing education; and, (3) what, if any, desire there might be for a statewide recognition system for participating in library continuing education. Methods of obtaining this data involved surveying Kansas rural public library directors (N = 227) using the researcher developed Kansas Library Continuing Education Needs Assessment Survey and interviewing the directors and consultants of the seven Kansas Regional Library Systems (N = 14). Results of the study indicated that the rural library population was interested in pursuing library continuing education if those activities proved to be relevant to the actual job-related duties being performed. Items indicated as areas where continuing education programming was needed included basic cataloging procedures, basic reference, selection of materials, children's services, and managing the one-person library. Rural librarians and regional system personnel favored some type of financial compensation for participating in continuing education activities as well as some type of job-competence recognition at the local and state levels. Workshops were found to be the favored continuing education format. Of those with a high priority for continuing education, the half-day morning workshop was most preferred if it were held within a one-hour driving distance of the librarian's home. Rural public librarians indicated an interest in some sort of recognition system for participating in continuing education. Of those with a high priority for continuing education, credit which would apply toward a bachelor or master's degree was favored, while others equally favored some type of non-degree certification from the State Library. As a result of this study, conclusions include the feasibility for acceptance of, and participation in, a statewide continuing education plan among the rural public library population in Kansas. Recommendations for further research on library continuing education are included in the summary of the report.