Strategic planning for municipal libraries in Greece

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore issues related to the development of long-term planning for the municipal/public libraries in Greece. In Greece, municipal libraries constitute the largest category of public libraries. Although over the last decade efforts have been made to enhance their services, municipal/public libraries appear to be still in search of a purpose and are at a crossroad. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical qualitative research study was conducted in order to examine the efforts made so far to develop long-term plans and to study the attitudes and views of Greek municipal libraries’ heads concerning the development of long term plans. The empirical research was carried out early in the second half of 2007, utilizing a specifically developed questionnaire distributed to 194 municipal library representatives, 100 of which agreed to participate in the study. Findings – A number of current issues facing Greek municipal libraries are studied along with an overview of the strategic plans already developed. The perceptions of 100 municipal library directors in regard to developing strategic plans are recorded and the results overall suggest the need for formal long-term planning in the municipal/public libraries in Greece. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the discussion on the development of long-term planning aimed at municipal libraries in Greece. It is one of the very few studies providing empirical evidence based on the views of municipal/public library directors in Greece.