A survey and demonstration project was undertaken in 1977-78 to identify gaps in the professional preparation of library professionals who work with young children, and to develop and test short course offerings to improve the skills and competencies of school and public librarians. Questionnaires were sent to 400 school and public librarians in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio--100 from each state--whose names were drawn from membership lists for professional library associations. The initial responses, totalling 50.5%, were machine scored and an item analysis was prepared to identify suitable curriculum blocks for the instructional phase. Based on these findings, three areas of concentration for mini-courses were identified: child development and learning, development of activities, and program administration. More than 25% of the respondents indicated interest in short courses designed for early childhood library programs, underscoring the need for further continuing education efforts. The demonstration effort elucidated what can and cannot be accomplished in short courses designed to upgrade specific competencies of already qualified library professionals. The integration of this segment of library service into library education is advocated, and further research and demonstration efforts are suggested. The appendixes, which make up the major part of the report, contain the syllabi and materials for mini-courses in the three identified areas, including the pre- and post-tests, bibligrraphies, totaling 37 pages, and evaluations of the instructional program. (CGD)