Strategic planning and management for the public libraries The case of Greek central public libraries

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is twofold: to provide an overview of the present situation at the Greek central public libraries and to identify strategic development areas in regard to education and training, social and economic development, e-government, reading policy, cultural cohesion and identity. Design/methodology/approach - A survey was conducted in January and February 2008 through extensive semi-structured interviews with all the 29 Greek central public libraries. Findings - The paper finds that a formal strategic plan is becoming necessary for the Greek central public libraries in order to understand themselves, redefine their policies and priorities, and further consider the needs and expectations of their users and of the society as a whole. Practical implications - This paper contributes to the discussion on the development of strategic planning aimed at the central public libraries in Greece and may assist in providing evidence for strategic planning in a national and/or in an institutional level. Originality/value - It is one of the very few studies in Greece providing empirical evidence for the strategic planning and management of the central public libraries.