Transcript Fixed vs. Flexible Scheduling in our School Library Media

Fixed, Flexible, or Mixed
Scheduling in our School
Library Media Center.
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.
Advantages to a fixed schedule.
 Each class is assured regular library time.
 Each class is learning information literacy
skills.
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.
What is a Flexible Schedule?
 “Open access” to the library media center.
 Teachers may schedule classes based on
instructional need.
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.)
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=bbcce23d7a8c9
0adf81c
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.”
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.
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.”
Information Access and Delivery Principles of
School Library Media Programs from: 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.”
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.”

Activity:
 With a partner read, discuss and take notes
on:
AASL position paper on fixed scheduling.
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissue
s/positionstatements/aaslpositionstatement.cf
m
Circulate and share your thoughts on library
media center scheduling.