Greek public libraries: An assessment

Abstract

To many foreigners Greece evokes an image of endless beaches, ancient ruins, and a rich past where western civilization began. It is also where the classical ideal of libraries and library organization as we know it started and education was held in the deepest respect by a literate populace. The first public library in Athens was established in 330 B.C. when the orator Lycurgus carried a decree providing for its establishment.’ Although Greece is a very different country today, her libraries are still a reflection of the society in which they exist. This paper seeks to give an overview of the current library practices in modern Greek public libraries. From 28 March to 2 July 1986, WC surveyed public libraries in Grcece.2 Where previous studies have concentrated primarily on the Greater .4thens area, this assessment attempts to cover a broader geographical area representative of the entire country. Libraries were surveyed on both the mainland and the islands.3 We found that Greek public libraries encompass three basic types: (1) Dimosies, which function as county libraries under the control of the Ministry of Education; (2j Dimohkes, which function as municipal libraries, under the control of the respective mayor and city council; and (3) Pedikes, which function as children’s libraries, presently under the control of either the Ministry of Agriculture or the municipality. There are two sociological factors which impact greatly upon the development of libraries (and education in general) in Greece, and libraries cannot be examined unless considered within this context. The first has been the slow reconstruction of the country after four centuries

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