Collaboration Request

Riverview Elementary Library__________________________________________

Please fill this form in as completely as possible and return it to the library or my mailbox. I’ll then set up a time when we can get together to flesh out the details if needed.
Kathy Carlson,
Librarian and
Instructional Technologist

Your Name ____________________________________

Date of Request ___________________
Classes Involved (Title, Grade Level & Period)

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Will you be collaborating with any other teachers on this project and if so, who? Yes. No.

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Approximate Date(s) the Unit will be Taught

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Number of Days Needed in the Library (an attached schedule request would be great!)

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Title or Brief Description of the Unit to be Taught

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What role(s) would you like me to play in preparing and carrying out the unit?
____ Schedule library time for your classes
____ Schedule equipment for your use (please specify) ______________________________________________________________
____ Reserve books for your classes’ use
____ Prepare a recommended reading list for your class
____ Purchase materials for the unit (3 – 4 months advance notice needed)
____ Ensure that your students have Internet access before the unit begins
____ Gather appropriate materials/links for you
____ Assist you in finding an innovative way to teach the unit
____ Assist you in finding a way to teach the unit using technology
____ Prepare a pathfinder or webquest for you
____ Assist students in their work on the unit
____ Teach part of the unit (please specify)

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____ Other (please specify)

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If possible please attach the syllabus page your students will receive or a lesson plan that will give me detailed info on the unit. Or note details below and on extra paper as needed.

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Key Component - Support Staff!

Without support staff, the library media specialist has no opportunity to leave the center or even the checkout station.

When a media specialist has adequate support staff and they are able to work together flexibly, an environment that is conducive for everyone emerges.

Solution? A "Hybrid" Schedule!

By having a fixed schedule, you are ensuring that all students have some access to the library, at some point.

However, having the flexibility within that schedule allows the library media specialist to collaborate in and outside the media center.

A "hybrid," or a mixture of both fixed and flexible schedules, will combine a good combination of both schedule types, allowing more access to the physical space as well as access to collaboration time with the media specialist.

Physical Space

Any schedule can allow for access to a library media specialist, but if the center is not physically organized to allow access, the schedule does not matter.

“…review the physical arrangement of the library media center so that it can accommodate multiple activities simultaneously.

Identify spaces for whole-class use…and arrange work areas for small groups as well” (Geiken, 1999)

Parkside Middle School Survey

Ten Middle School Staff members were surveyed as to their use and accessability to the library media center and to the media specialist. The following questions about access to the library media center were given and the results are listed:

Question 1 – Do you feel you are able to utilize the library media center when needed?
6 – Yes 4 – No

Question 2 – Do you feel your students are able to utilize the library media center when needed?
10 – Yes 0 – No

Question 3 – Have you collaborated with the library media specialist? How?
8 – worked together to find materials
0 – co-taught a lesson
2 – other

Question 4 – When is the best time to collaborate with you?
0 – Before School
2 – After School
8 – Preparatory time
1 – lunch
1 - other

Positive Aspects of Flexible Scheduling

.....Allows media specialist time to collaborate and help those in need

.....Allows all staff members to use media center since no “set” schedule

.....Allows students to feel the media center is a safe comfortable place that can be used at anytime

Negative Aspects of Flexible Scheduling

.....Can be very confusing for students, since they will never know if and when they will have class time to visit the media center

.....It does place responsibility on the student to access the media center on his or her own time