Civic engagement in the community-managed libraries in Oman

Abstract

The current study aims to identify the practice of civic engagement in the community- managed libraries in
Oman. Community-Managed library is an act of making the library space available for community’s activities, by
working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector and other public services. In addition, it is
usually involving users as volunteers in the delivery of library services and the organization of activities, that
supports and involves the community in various levels of decision making process, work around books and
engage in public dialogues and deliberations.
A qualitative survey was used to identify the stakeholders’ perception towards the adoption of civic engagement,
as a method to develop and sustain these libraries. Stakeholders’ suggestions to overcome the challenges,
currently faced by these libraries were also identified. Triangulation method was used to gather information
from social media of the libraries beside the open survey. It was discovered that, the six aspects of civic
participation are practiced in the community-managed libraries’ and seen in various activities and programs.
However, the libraries founders must be motivated through appreciation and support from the government,
private sector and other organizations, in order to develop their libraries and keep them sustainable. Finally, the
community-managed libraries could model public libraries or serve as extension in the country.
Keywords: Community managed libraries, Community engagement, social capital, public libraries.