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

11. Combination Schedule

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!