Evaluating Trends in Instruction Scheduling Management: A Survey of Louisiana’s Academic Libraries

Abstract

This study analyzed the data of a survey on Louisiana’s academic libraries and their instruction scheduling management. This data was used to evaluate trends, benefits, and limitations in these strategies. The survey asked participants to identify their teaching scenarios and scheduling software, and to provide feedback about that software. Analysis of data from 13 libraries revealed flexibility in teaching responsibilities and locations. However, responsibility for scheduling fell on directors and individual librarians using mostly lower-tech software, having not changed strategies in the past five years. Libraries should consider periodic reevaluation of their scheduling strategies and options. It is also suggested that libraries collect data on the labor invested in scheduling instruction sessions to advocate for resources to make necessary changes. More research is needed to uncover national trends and establish which strategies work best for libraries based on sizing, staffing, budget, and instruction volume.