Scheduling Presentation
- 1. Scheduling in the Library Media Center By Christine Essig
- 2. The Scheduling Debate • Two main types of scheduling in school libraries • Traditionally, fixed scheduling has been used most often • Strong support for transition to flexible scheduling o Very slow process
- 3. The Scheduling Debate “The integrated library program philosophy requires an open schedule. Classes need to be flexibly scheduled into the library on an as needed basis to facilitate research, training, and utilization of technology with the guidance of the subject specialist, the teacher, and the process specialist, the librarian. Regularly scheduled classes in the school library to provide teacher release or preparation time prohibit this best practice. Students and teachers must be able to come to the library throughout the day to use information sources, to read for pleasure, and to meet and work with other students and teachers.” -ALA/AASL Position Statement on Flexible Scheduling
- 4. What is fixed scheduling? • Classes visit the library media center on a set basis o Can be weekly, bi-weekly, etc. • Classroom teachers normally drop students off and use the period for prep time • Most common type of schedule in elementary schools
- 5. What does a fixed schedule look like?
- 6. Another example of fixed...
- 7. What is flexible scheduling? • Students are scheduled to use the library media center as the need arises • Library schedule varies week to week • The LMS and teacher plan together for instruction o Classes may come often or rarely, depending on the classroom teacher • Many studies show benefits of flexible scheduling on student achievement
- 8. What does a flexible schedule look like? LMC Scheduling Form (Liberty Middle School)
- 9. Pros and cons of a flexible schedule PROS CONS • Classes, groups, indivi duals can come to the • Some teachers are not willing to collaborate library at point of need on lessons o Learn information • Students in the school literacy skills in will have differing context information skills • Teachers accompany depending on how classes; work with many/which projects LMS to develop units they have done
- 10. Pros and cons of a fixed schedule PROS CONS • Every student will • Class sessions are too come to the library short for substantial an equal amount lessons • Inquiry should be • Learning isolated daily process, not a skills few big projects • Minimal to no • Fits into weekly collaboration taking routine place
- 12. Obstacles to your ideal schedule • Not easy to change administrator/public perception o Fixed is routine and dependable • Contractual obligation to provide classroom teachers prep time • Library is grouped with other "special schedules" (gym, music, art, etc.) o Librarians are not seen as fellow teachers • Must have dependable support staff to allow for collaboration time • Some librarians have multiple schools
- 13. How to make the most out of your schedule • Maintain a positive relationship with classroom teachers and administrators • Demonstrate leadership and take initiative • Communicate with and inform teachers of resources and services • Be up to date and familiar with the curriculum
- 14. How to make the most out of your schedule • Look for any opportunity to propose collaboration! o Fulfill requests for resources o Hold technology/equipment training sessions o Attend grade and department meetings o Staff Development Days :)
- 15. Conclusion Which type of scheduling would you prefer in your library? How will you make the transition to your ideal schedule? Google Site!