School

Library
Scheduling
Fixed, Flex,
and Hybrid
Barbara Key
Melvin Davis
Background Information
Though the school library schedule may not be at the top of every schools to do
list, it is very important. Library use in a K-12 school environment is very
important to students success. The library schedule determines students access
to the librarian, resources and school media. Which may affect students grades,
project quality and reading ability if students do not have proper access. There
are three scheduling models that most librarians choose from. They are fixed,
flexed, and hybrid. What librarians choose to use is solely based on their school,
and school district. They all have pros and cons depending on the needs of the
school.
Fixed Scheduling
This form of scheduling allows for each class to be seen by the librarian for a
certain amount of time weekly. While visiting the library students have
instruction and circulation time which may and may not include the presence
of the classroom teacher.
Fixed Scheduling Pros
Allows the teacher planning time without the students.
Allows time for library instruction on a consistent basis.
Guarantees each child is checking books out weekly.
Rotations vary every 5 to 6 days.
Collaboration between librarian
and teachers on instruction to
make connections in the
classroom.
Librarian turns the library into a
classroom which allows students to view
it as a learning environment
Fixed Scheduling Cons
Students and students cannot waiver from
schedule
Rotation may not happen weekly depending on sch
school size
Lack of teacher presence may make
instruction difficult
Librarian is responsible for library, and is unable
to attend to other students visiting the library.
No room is available for other teachers to bring
their classes to the library.
 Grandview
Fixed Schedule Implementation Elementary
School

Grandview Elementary School, whose library media

specialist ids Heidi Snively uses a fixed schedule there
school website is listed below
Flexed Scheduling
The term flexible scheduling, as it pertains to school library media centers,
entered the vocabulary of school library media specialists (SLMSs) in the late 80s
and early 90s. It had various interpretations then, as it does today. As McGregor
stated, Flexible scheduling and flexible access have sometimes been
interchangeably used. The terms have both been used to mean providing open
access to the library media center throughout the day, rather than only during a
scheduled library time (April 2006). In secondary schools, the school library
and its resources are typically viewed as an extension of the classroom.
Flexed Scheduling Pros
Students and teachers have access to the library and the librarian at the
point of need.
Students and teachers can use the library as a more flexible space than
merely a clearing house for circulating books.
The librarian has the time and opportunity to teach library and research
skills, and students have the time in the library to learn about and use the
resources in the library.
Librarians and teachers have time to collaborate, plan, and teach together,
giving students the best opportunity for learning in the library.
Librarians can become more flexible in taking library services out of the
library, and take some lessons to the classroom (including those
classrooms with teachers who do not bring their classes to the library);
and since the library and the librarian are not tied up with classes all day,
it increases library access for everyone.
Flexed Scheduling Cons
Librarian will not have a routine schedule, if that is considered a drawback.
Administrators will have to find alternatives to provide planning time for
teachers.
Some teachers may not allow their students to go to the library without a
regular appointment, and therefore, will not get lessons on research and
library skills, and may not be able to check out books. You cant teach who
you dont see.
Flexed Scheduling Implementation
Accountability and Information Technology: Atlanta Public Schools

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Hybrid Scheduling
This type of scheduling is a mix of fixed and flexed. Teachers and students are
allowed the ability to use fixed scheduling for instruction and flexible for book
checkouts.
Hybrid Pros
The possibilities for use of the library are endless and can be created by both
the teacher and librarian.
Open times for students to check out books and use
media resources.
Allows the librarian to have consistent times for
instruction based upon the need of the teacher
and student.
Allows teachers to be present during
open times.
Allows for multiple classes to use
library space at one time.
Hybrid Cons
Students cannot access library if the open times of the library are not during
a time that is conducive to the teacher's schedule.
Library may be over crowded.
Hybrid Implementation
Columbia High School uses the hybrid method as it allows students to visit the
library before after and during school and allows teachers to sign up for
collaborative lesson using the library calendar.

Columbia High School

References
Creighton, Peggy Milam. Just How Flexible Are We? The Current State of Scheduling in
School Libraries. Library Media Connection 26, no. 3 (November 2007): 34-35.

Harvey, Carl A. The Schedule Spectrum. School Library Monthly 31, no.3 (December
2014): 18-19.

McGregor, J. (2006, April). Flexible Scheduling: Implementing an Innovation. Retrieved

September 13, 2017, from School Library Media Research website:
http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol9/SLMR
_FlexibleScheduling_V9.pdfh

American Association of School Librarians. (2014, May). Position Statement on Flexible

Scheduling. Retrieved from

http://www.ala.org/aasl/advocacy/resources/statements/flex-sched