Probing the Lived Experiences of Filipino Professionals Working in School Libraries in Qatar: Implications for Guidelines for Migrant Library Professionals

Maria Grace C. Calalo¹ and Rosette E. Nuera^2,

¹Administration Support Department, Hayat Universal School (HUBS), Doha, Qatar

²Library Department, National Teachers College (NTC), Manila, Philippines

Cite this paper:
Maria Grace C. Calalo and Rosette E. Nuera. Probing the Lived Experiences of Filipino Professionals Working in School Libraries in Qatar: Implications for Guidelines for Migrant Library Professionals. American Journal of Educational Research. 2025; 13(8):397-416. doi: 10.12691/education-13-8-3

Abstract

Filipino migrant library professionals encounter challenges in the workplace every now and then. However, it is undeniable that working overseas opens doors to significant opportunities for personal and professional development. The study intends to investigate the lived experiences of the five Filipino library professionals, licensed or unlicensed, from different school settings in Qatar through a qualitative purposive sampling using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The research applied the data triangulation strategy— preliminary interviews, observations, initial and follow-up semi-structured interviews by inductive method. The collected audio data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The study utilized NVivo software which facilitated the process of coding, analyzing themes, and customizing reports. The research tools were assessed for validity and reliability by experts in the research field. The findings revealed the interrelationship of the three major themes that emerged— Work Challenges, Better Opportunities, and Career Growth. It signifies that the various challenges encountered by the Filipino library professionals when addressed appropriately led to opportunities. The challenges and opportunities eventually generated pathways for career growth. The research recognizes its limitations considering its scope and sample size. The study concludes that the results serve as implications for guidelines for migrant library professionals. This research thereby recommends that future researchers may include varied participants and a bigger sample size to unfold more ingenious and inclusive findings in the library and information science field of studies.

Keywords:
Filipino library professionals lived experiences migrant Qatar

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