What does it truly take to provide excellent library service to children? The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has outlined seven core competencies - skills that are building blocks for professional development for children's librarians. In this practical guide, three children's services experts bring these skills to life. Use this primer to develop and sharpen skills and access resources to improve professionalism and skills in: knowledge of the client group; administration and management; communication; materials and collection development; programming; and, advocacy, public relations, and networking.