As a new school librarian struggling with time management, what is the best initial step to take?

The best initial step for a new school librarian struggling with time management is to make comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly plans. This approach allows for a structured overview of responsibilities and tasks, making it easier to allocate appropriate time for each activity. By mapping out plans, the librarian can identify priorities, allocate time efficiently, and visually track progress.

Creating such plans can help in organizing various activities, ensuring that routine tasks do not become overwhelming, and allowing for better anticipation of upcoming events or deadlines. As a new librarian, having a clear view of all responsibilities will facilitate better control over time and enhance efficiency in managing the library's operations. In this way, comprehensive planning serves as a foundational strategy that can improve both immediate time management issues and longer-term organizational skills.

Other options, while they may seem beneficial, do not provide the same foundational organizational structure that comprehensive planning offers. For instance, prioritizing tasks based on urgency can be effective, but without a clear plan, it may lead to constant reevaluation and chaos. Requesting more staff assistance may not address individual task management issues and might not be feasible in the early stages of the position. Reducing extracurricular activities could help manage time, but it does not promote a proactive approach to time management as effectively as