Knowledge and skills for life: exploring how school libraries can create and support formal and informal learning opportunities for post-primary pupils in disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to critically explore how school libraries can create and support formal (attainment) and informal (holistic) learning opportunities to post-primary pupils in disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland. Three research questions aim to establish: 1. The features of current library provision, including access to digital resources and information skills in all post-primary schools across Northern Ireland(NI); 2. how these features of school library provision are being implemented in disadvantaged areas of NI; 3. from the perspective of staff and pupils - what range of learning opportunities is acquired and developed through use of the school library. This is a mixed method study with four separate phases of data collection, which commenced with perspectives of school library provision from stakeholders based in the Education Library Service and an organisation that advocates for school libraries. The second phase of research consisted of an online survey of school librariansinclusive of all post-primary schools in NI (n=192), the aim of which was to develop an understanding of the current landscape of school library provision across NI. The third phase consisted of paired interviews and a mini-survey with school library staff from the schools with the highest percentage of Free School Meal Entitlement (FSME) pupils(≥50%) in order to gain a deeper insight into their experiences of school library provision in areas of disadvantage. The final phase comprised in-depth case studies of two schools identified and selected from Phase Three of the study. The aim of this research phase was to explore and analyse how school libraries can support learning opportunities for pupils through documentary evidence, focus groups and interviews with pupils and school staff. Taken as a whole, it is intended that the research findings(discussed through the lens of a theoretical framework, existing literature, the UNCRC and UN SDGs) will contribute to a greater understanding of how school libraries can support pupils; and to help inform a policy approach to school libraries, in strengthening the case for resourcing quality school libraries, staff and learning environments. The research provides a unique and timely understanding of the school library landscape in NI and makes an original contribution to scholarly knowledge relating to school library provision: in particular, it explores the implications for areas of disadvantage, as well as providing important recommendations for delivery of services, policy, and further research.

Date of Award	May 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	David Barr (Supervisor), Paul McFlynn (Supervisor) & Jessica Bates (Supervisor)