School Libraries in Istanbul, Turkey

Sevim Mccutcheon

doi:10.15612/bd.2010.247

Abstract

Libraries are important in supporting the curriculum and educational mission of schools. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the current status of a private primary school’s library in Istanbul, Turkey, and to formulate recommendations for improvement. This case study was accomplished through a mixed method involving questionnaires and observation. A survey with semi-structured questions was administered to students, teachers, and the librarian regarding their perceptions of the school library and their desires for the school library. Questionnaires administered to teachers and the librarian of its sister school provide a counterpoint. Observations provided information about the current functional level and nature of usage of the library. The survey was administered in 2007 with a follow-up visit in 2008. The research achieved the specific, practical purpose of identifying areas for development and potential challenges to that development in the school’s library, taking into account the input of its constituents. It also provides suggestions for those who might pursue broader research about the needs and future possibilities for school libraries in Turkey.

Highlights

In Turkey, the demand for higher education far exceeds the domestic supply
Midwestern Koleji is one of these funnel schools which is associated with an American university
The name emulates that of a Midwestern American institution, Midwestern State University (MSU), with which the school has a memorandum of understanding

Summary

Introduction

In Turkey, the demand for higher education far exceeds the domestic supply. Of the approximately 1.5 million (and rising) students who take the university entrance exams each year, approximately half score high enough to qualify to enroll in a four year bachelor’s program. Coupled with the compatibility of the Turkish higher education system to American and European systems (Yükseköğretim Kurulu 2004 or 2005), there is opportunity for foreign universities to attract some of the 500,000 or so academically-able students who annually do not receive one of the scarce university seats in their own country. The unmet demand for university seats has created a niche for certain private primary and secondary schools in Turkey. At the time of this study in 2007, it had been open for three years and educated grades pre-K-7 (ages three to thirteen) It will add one grade per year until it will enroll students through grade 12 (age eighteen). This pre-K through 12 school uses German and Turkish as languages of instruction. Because the sister school is geographically close and similar in mission, I will incorporate some description of it to serve as a counterpoint to the description of MK

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Conclusion