Geographical Collections in Greek Academic Libraries: current situation and perspectives

Abstract

The paper aims at exploring the existence of geospatial collections and the GIS services in Greek academic libraries through a research in their websites. The initial hypothesis is that Greek academic libraries are not familiar with geographical information and services and therefore they have not developed efficient collections and services for their patrons regarding geospatial data. Thus, a research was conducted in various Greek Higher Education Institutions for departments affiliated with geographic information and the use of GIS and those specific libraries websites were scrutinized for the existence of any geographical collection. The findings indicate that only three academic libraries and one Technological Education Institute’s Library offer geospatial information to their users and this specific investigation confirms the hypothesis that Greek university libraries haven’t developed geographical collections and services despite the fact that Greek Universities sustain an efficient number of departments related to the subjects of geography, geology, environmental studies etc. However, these findings should be considered within the wider context of geospatial information in Greece and how this particular kind of information is spread.