Develop+a+plan+for+scheduling+the+media+centre

The above screen clipping is of the combined calendar used at Marion Graham Collegiate to technologically assist flexible scheduling within the Learning Resource Centre. Teachers/Administrators/Board Office Members/ and Students, book the three different parts of the library as their needs, teachable moments, and collaborative efforts dictate.

In order to instill best practice in a Learning Resource centre, a flexible schedule is recommended. It is important to have a flexible schedule to capture those "Teachable Moments" and not have to wait for mandated scheduled times. (Woolls,2008, 84)

As Ken Haycock (2002) points out it is important to have a flexible schedule so that effective collaboration can occur between the teacher-librarian and the other teachers in the school.

A scheduled regular time for book exchange could be made daily, especially for the younger grades Kindergarten and Grade 1, but as McGregor (2006) points out this proves most effective when it is a consensually agreed upon time between the teacher-librarian and the teacher.

In "Flexible Scheduling: Implementing an Innovation" McGregor addresses seven conditions necessary for successful implementation, the first five from Donham van Deusen (1995, 17-18) and the last two her own:
 * 1) An information skills curriculum matched with the content area curriculum.
 * 2) Flexible access to the library media center.
 * 3) Team Planning
 * 4) Principal expectations for collaboration with teachers
 * 5) A commitment to resource-based learning
 * 6) Adequate support staff
 * 7) An assessment plan for the school library media center


 * Artificial scheduled time results in artificial learning. Freedom of choice and being adaptive with flexible scheduling allows for greater collaborative work and authentic learning.

References:

Haycock, K. (2002). Strategic Directions and Newer Dilemmas for Teacher-Librarians and School Library Resource Centres. //International Association of School Librarianship. Selected Papers from the ... Annual Conference.// Retrieved from []

McGregor, J. (September 27, 2006). Flexible Scheduling: Implementing an Innovation. //American Library Association//. Document ID: 8648c14c-3365-d414-1117-07088ce53a9 Retrieved from []

Woolls, B. (2008). //The school library media manager// (4th edition). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.