Divergence and convergence within Greek library education: An applied vs a theoretical approach

Abstract

This paper explores the differences and similarities of the three library schools educating librarians and information professionals in Greece. The structure of higher education in Greece has recently undergone major changes (2002) integrating technological institutions and universities under one umbrella that of higher education. As a result, technological institutions today are still struggling to find their identity, whilst universities are trying hard to assert their differentiation. Library schools, existing within both types of institution, provide a very good example of how these changes are affecting education processes, field work, professionals, and jobs for graduates. Although Library Schools are all categorized as higher education institutions, they enjoy different status. Library schools spread across two similar, but yet of different types of organisation within the higher education system of Greece also face the challenge of establishing the professional image of their graduates, of modernizing the curricula and of keeping up with the rapid changes demanded by their European and international counterparts. At the same time affiliations of the schools have shaped the corresponding curricula and have marked the image of the profession within the country.