The School Library Evaluation Model 2014-17: A Tool for Guiding Assessment And Improving

Evaluation is fundamental to the successful implementation of a library programme. In Portugal, the School Libraries Network Programme has implemented a School Library Evaluation Model that is put into practice in all the groups of schools in the country. The model is now in its second cycle of implementation. Each cycle has a four-year duration and, at the end of the first cycle, a new and revised edition of the Model was published. After presenting the School Libraries Network Programme, this paper explains the School Library Evaluation Model 2014-2017, its principles, structure and organization, implementation methodology and expected outcomes. It also points out how the evaluation process is focused on improvement, has boosted the quality of school libraries, and created a vision of what is desirable for them in the future.