School Libraries in Greece Turbulent Past, Uncertain Present, Doubtful Future

Abstract

School libraries in Greece are officially established as a separate section of schools; a section that has been functioning in cooperation with schools and supporting them on a regular basis, in a well-organised way, employing its own staff since 1995. However, reports and relevant legislation have appeared since the first half of the 19th century. This paper presents and evaluates the legislation that concerns the establishment and operation of school libraries in Greece from the establishment of the Greek state to the present day. Furthermore, reference is made to the extent the relevant legislation was applied in practice and the method employed for its application; at the same time we do not fail to make a brief reference to the first legislative action taken in relation to school libraries in Europe.