Greek Libraries: Past, Present and Perspectives
Greek Libraries: Past, Present and Perspectives

Summary/Abstract: The history of Greek libraries can be divided into 3 phases. The first phase, lasting until 1994, was the longest. It was characterized by traditional organization, poor services, understaffing, shortage of licensed librarians and low social status. European exchange programmes together with the EU financing, brought most Greek libraries into their 2nd phase (1995–2009), which was characterized by modernization, automation, innovation, internationalization and qualified personnel. This phase lasted less than 2 decades, yet, its effects were spectacular for a number of libraries. These were the libraries funded by the government and the EU, which implemented strategic programmes of development. They thrived. However, faced with economic problems, organizations, including libraries, were obliged to reduce the number of their employees and cut budgets. For the last five years Greek libraries have been undergoing their 3rd, unpredictable phase, during which their achievements may be lost due to the lack of funds and staff redundancies. This paper focuses on the 2nd phase of development. At present, libraries have only two alternative options: further improvement or deterioration.

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