Fixed, Flexible, or Mixed Scheduling in our School Library Media Center.

1. Fixed, Flexible, or Mixed Scheduling in our School Library Media Center.

2. What is Fixed Scheduling? • In the library media center that uses a Fixed Schedule, each class comes to the library on a fixed day (once per week) for a fixed period of time.

3. Advantages to a fixed schedule. • Each class is assured regular library time. • Each class is learning information literacy skills.

4. Disadvantages to a Fixed Schedule. • LMC and LMS may not be available at the point of need. • Less time for collaboration with the classroom teacher. Which will mean: • Information literacy skills will be taught in isolation instead of integrated with the school’s curriculum. • Information literacy skills taught in isolation are irrelevant. • Little time for students to come to the library as an individual seeking information on an area of interest. • The potential of the LMC is not realized.

5. What is a Flexible Schedule? • “Open access” to the library media center. • Teachers may schedule classes based on instructional need.

6. Advantages to Flexible Scheduling. • LMS is available for “Point of need instruction.” • Supports the integration of information literacy skills with the school’s curriculum. • Allows for small groups or individual students to come to the LMC for instruction. • More time for collaboration with the classroom teacher resulting in superior learning experiences (Two heads are better than one.)

7. With a Flexible Schedule allowing for more collaboration time, and a library that is accessible for “Point of need” instruction, activities like this, could be happening in our library media center…. • “Collaborative Lesson with the Library Media Specialist and Grade 6 Language Arts Teacher and Students using a Research Model to discover the characteristics of Tolkien's fantasy creatures. Print and Internet Resources were accessed using Destiny online library catalog. Students created guidebooks based on their research as well as dioramas, triptych art and murals. Since students were especially fond of the hobbits, we planned a gallery walk to celebrate their amazing artwork and for the school community to enjoy! The school library was transformed into the shire and Bilbo Baggins turned 111!” Description of video from teacher tube. http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bbcce23d7a8c90adf81c

8. Concerns about Flexible Scheduling. • Fear that students will no longer visit the library without a scheduled regular visit. • Fear of losing weekly activities that encourage a love of reading (story time, book talks, and a time to sit and read in the comfort of the school library.) • Extra planning time for teachers and library media specialist to collaborate. • Fear of losing a scheduled “Planning period.”

9. What is Flexible and Fixed Scheduling? • Flexible and Fixed is a “Middle ground” between Flexible and Fixed scheduling. • Library will have a regular scheduled time for classes to come to the library while reserving “Flexible time” for instruction on a “Need” basis.

10. Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning on Flexible Scheduling. • “In a student-centered SLMP, learning needs take precedence over class schedules, school hours, student categorization, and other logistical concerns.” • “To meet learning needs, the program’s resources and services must be available so that information problems can be resolved when they arise.” • “Predetermined timetables without other options and practices that limit access to resources on the basis of age, ability, or other means of grouping can stifle intellectual curiosity and authentic learning.”

11. Information Access and Delivery Principles of School Library Media Programsfrom: Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning • Principle 4: The library media program requires flexible and equitable access to information, ideas and resources for learning. • “These principles were identified and developed by the Information Power Committee, reviewed and commented upon by profession, and approved by the AASL and AECT Boards as cardinal premises on which learning and teaching within the effective school library media program is based.”

12. Alabama’s School Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner: • “The library media program consistently provides flexible access to archived, current, and new resources to meet the learning needs of the school community.” • “The LMC should be considered a learning resource that extends classroom learning, not a substitute classroom where students are placed for a designated period of time without the classroom teacher present as a collaborator.” • “The library media program must consistently provide access to resources that encourage research, engage students in reading for pleasure, support the curriculum, and address individual needs and interests.”

13. Activity: • With a partner read, discuss and take notes on: AASL position paper on fixed scheduling. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/aaslpositionstatement.cfm Circulate and share your thoughts on library media center scheduling.