The Library Association of China has been involved in continuing education for over forty years, making great contributions twoard enhancing library services. As more opportunities are provided by the recently established library schools, it is time to consider the necessity, and a few other related questions such as teh best approach and the duration, of holding basic training classes for those who have not had a degree in library and information science. The article reports on the experience of conducting the 1996-1997 basic training classes. Then, based on the analyses of sources of class participants and feed-back opinions of participants, the author makes four recommendations: 1. Basic training classes to be continued in the coming years. 2. Basic training classes to be divided by subjects. 3. One to two weeks recommended as a sutiable duration depending on the subjects taught. 4. Basic training classes to be held in different regions.