Public libraries' contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: gathering evidences and evaluating practices

Abstract

Initiated in November 2016, the project Public Libraries and Sustainability: Gathering Evidences of Contribution to SDGs (Project PLS) aims to develop a framework for evaluating public libraries’ contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tailor it to Portuguese public libraries. This paper discusses the role of impact evaluation practices and competencies in evidence gathering and advocacy processes of libraries’ contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda, focusing on the Project first stages. After presenting the research background and general methodological frame, the relevant approaches, methods and tools for assessing libraries’ contribution to SD are examined, particularly the impact evaluation perspective. The resulting Model for Evaluating Public Libraries Contribution to SDGs is discussed, as well as the alignment process with SD goals and national priorities through the SDG# Mapping Tool. Finally, some key aspects of the ongoing research are presented.