Towards activating school libraries in Qatar

This thesis examines school libraries in Qatar between 2002-2012, assessing purpose, operation and evaluation and mapping provision against policy during this critical period of evolution of educational and digital development. It also considers research practice and communication in the school library sector in Qatar. The research is unique in providing a comprehensive study of school libraries at national and local levels, involving librarians, academics, students and parents through a mixed method approach combining interviews, surveys and library visits, supported by exceptional access to internal government reports enabling a systematic analysis of research and policy documentation in Qatar. Key findings identify a lack of coherent research culture at all levels shared across education and library communities in Qatar. There are also wider difficulties with systematic publication and retrieval of research and best practice literature across Arab nations. Current national reform recognizes the importance of literate, independent Qatari learners in a global digital environment, but there is limited understanding of the contribution school libraries and librarians can make to this, at strategic level, amongst teachers and students and even amongst some library practitioners. The research found that school librarians can offer much to literacies and cultural heritage. Recommenations are made for development of: research culture, curriculum mapping, evaluation, recognition of school librarians as education professionals working in equal partnership with teaching colleagues, and training and development. Also recommended are: the creation of a professional body and support network for librarians, an advocacy campaign and the development of practical models and toolkit resources. A key role is proposed for the Qatar National Library to lead evidence-based research and practical action in the field of (school) libraries in the Middle East. It is anticipated that the findings and recommendations can usefully inform strategy and practice at national and individual school levels in Qatar.