School Library Learning Standards in Portugal

The main purpose of this chapter is to present the work of the School Libraries Network Programme of the Ministry of Education and Science of Portu-gal in creatinga set of learning standards associated with reading, information and media competencies that school libraries are expected to promote and inte-grate into curricular activities.

Launched in 1996, the School Libraries Network currently includes more than 2,400 libraries, covering 100% of second-cycle, third-cycle and secondary schools and the majority of larger first-cycle schools. All students have a library in their schools or benefit from a library service.

The experiment in using the standards Learning with the School Library was initiated in 2013 with a group of 25 schools, doubled in 2014, and currently extends to more than 150 schools. The evaluation of the pilot has demonstrated the useful-ness of the document, strengthened the role of the school librarian in teaching and learning, and promoted the collaboration of the library with the school com-munity. Teachers recognized the innovative nature of the learning activities, and students were highly engaged and were able to acquire new skills.