To study the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois school library collections in science and to quantify the need for increased funding for collection development, a survey was completed by over 400 members of the Illinois School Library Media Association. Topics of interest were astronomy, space, the solar system, general biology, ecology, human anatomy, physiology, and hygiene. The findings present a series of snapshots that indicate that the majority of school libraries in Illinois have inadequate book collections in these vital areas of science education. Not only are there too few books on the shelves, there are many that are seriously outdated and sometimes inaccurate. The most obvious reason is lack of money. Only 50% of respondents received any federal funds in 1991-92, indicating that block grants are not being spent on libraries. Many respondents considered the survey useful in analyzing local collections, because 64% did not know whether or not their libraries met state goals. Since the survey only included members of the state school library association, it is assumed that many other school libraries are in worse shape. Recommendations are made for improvement centering on better communication and coordination and working for increased funding. Nine tables and three figures present study findings. (SLD)