Introduction

This paper examines developments in Greek academic libraries using recent research data and the literature and considers whether Greek libraries are ready to support developments in the virtual learning environments (VLEs) of their institutions. To understand the current situation in Greek academic libraries it is necessary to appreciate the Greek higher education system. A description of this is given in the next section of the paper, followed by a summary of the current academic library position. This demonstrates the crucial impact on Greek academic library development of the European Union Second Community Support Framework (SCSF). This discussion leads naturally into the Third Community Support Framework (TCSF), which Greek universities are using to develop VLEs. We describe current developments at the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki as an example.

Higher education in Greece

Supervision of education in Greece is highly centralized. The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs controls every level of the educational system through numerous laws and government bodies. Schools, institutions and universities at every level depend financially on the Ministry, which pays all the staff. Furthermore it approves the curricula and controls institutions through a series of centralized bodies.

Higher education in Greece is divided into two levels: the higher education institutions (HEIs), which comprise the universities (anotata ekpaideutika idrimata, AEI, in Greek) and the higher technological educational institutions (anotata technologika ekpaideutika idrimata, ATEI, in Greek), the latter having similarities with the old polytechnics in the UK. AEI concentrate on theoretical and scientific studies and traditional disciplines while ATEI focus on vocational, technological and technical studies. Greece has 34 HEIs (19 AEI, 14 ATEI and the Open University). Education provided by the Greek state is free at all levels and in HE includes free meals for most students and free accommodation for a minority of students.

Educational practices in Greece follow a unique path. The Organization for Publishing Teaching Books (Organismos Ekdoseon Didaktikon Biblion, OEDB, in Greek), under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, publishes one book for each subject or unit for the school sector, and distributes them to schools across Greece. Teachers base their teaching solely on the lectures and exercises in these books. This practice continues at university level.