Public library services in Greece: report of a Unesco study tour

Abstract

Report of a study tour in June 83 to advise the Greek government on the creation of a mobile library network. Almost of the 10 million Greek population live in rural communities. Illiteracy, which is estimated at 15% of the population nationally, in certain areas rises to 25%. In 1983 the government provided 22 mobile libraries to serve a total of 2,000 villages. Frequency of visits varied from every 2 to 3 months to every 2 years. There is no single government department responsible for public library standards, and professional education for librarianship is woefully inadequate. Moreover, the National Library of Greece at Athens, as a result of inadequate resources, is unable to take the lead in the provision of public library services.