Positive Circulation Results from Fixed Schedule Conversion

A recommendation of the 2011 accreditation library review committee was to switch the Lower School from a fixed to flexible schedule.  A flexible schedule was created for lower school students, modeled after the MS/US schedules.  Research assignments were scheduled to meet the needs of each class, facilitated by the Librarian.  Weekly check out times were scheduled with the individual teacher, who also accompanied their class.  There was no special area grading criteria/designation.  The only Lower School grade to continue with a weekly graded skill was 5^th grade, at the request of the Librarian.

The library evaluated the first year of flex schedule by using several data sets, based on the dates of August 2011 through April 20, 2012:

·         Scheduled skills and check out calendars

·         Individual class research scheduling

·         Grade-level circulation statistics

·         Patron library material circulation statistics by homeroom for this year and the previous/fixed academic year

·         From August 2011 through April 20, 2012, a LS teacher had the opportunity to bring their classroom for checkout at least 27 times. 

·         During this same time period, the opportunity for additional research, library, and computer time was available at least 3 days a week.

·         Skills sequences were initiated by the library 9 times for each homeroom.

Results of the first year of Flex Scheduling are:

1.       LS circulation was up overall by 14%.

2.      The greatest increase was Kindergarten, up from 155 books to 1142, or 637%.

3.      Both 3^rd and 4^th grade circulation was down; 3^rd by 38% and 4^th grade by 24%.  These classes had for the most part elected not to bring their class for check out but send students on passes when the student initiated the visit.  There was a marked decreased in the amount of opportunity these students were able to come to the library. 

4.      Of the library skills sequences initiated by the library, all Kindergarten through 2^nd grade came 7 times, 3^rd grade averaged 5/6, and 4^th grade 7 times.

Observations:

     Several factors contributed to increased circulation:  open-door access for students throughout the school day, teacher assistance in selection of books appropriate for students’ reading abilities, and new library policies that favored more checkout privileges.  While it was invaluable to come and check out with their teacher as a class, when students came in small groups throughout the day they were able to receive more hands-on assistance from a smaller library staff.  This was a bonus for eager readers who enjoyed visiting the library.  Thus, teachers were encouraged to schedule a check out time at least once a week.   Students in older grades should have had even more flexibility and access.  However, this was not the case.  Teachers in 3^rd and 4^th grade did not utilize the weekly check out, and tended not to send their students in small groups on a regular basis, either.  Based on these results, the library will work to increase circulation and access to the grades that did not visit as often.