Tips for flexible scheduling in the REAL world

Ok, so maybe you've discovered that not everything is exactly the way you thought it would be in library school.  What if you're trying to implement flexible scheduling but you don't know quite how to handle the teacher who wants to bring her class to the library every Friday at 2:00? 

Here are a few tips...
First, gain the support of your principal for flexible scheduling.  How?
1.  Make an appointment. 
2.  Tell your principal how flexible scheduling may impact student achievement.  Back this up with data from School Libraries Work (see previous post).  Cite the standards (ditto).
3.  Talk about your vision for the library and your goal of creating a community of readers and learners.
4.  Share how a flexible schedule allows maximization of your time as an instructional partner and professional librarian. 
5.  Offer specific information about how flexible scheduling works.
6.  Be ready to answer objections in a positive way.  Will the library be busy?  Will it meet the needs of students and staff?  Will kids get to come on a regular basis?

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