11.2.2

Public Access to University Libraries

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to affirm the University of Thessaly’s commitment to ensuring public access to its libraries, collections, and scholarly publications as part of its mission as a public higher education institution. The University recognizes that its libraries serve as vital cultural, educational, and research resources for both the academic community and the wider public.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all University of Thessaly libraries — central, departmental, and specialized — and covers access to physical collections, digital resources, public reading spaces, and open-access institutional repositories. It applies to students, staff, researchers, alumni, and external visitors.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

The University of Thessaly provides public library access in compliance with: Law 4485/2017 (Framework for Higher Education); Law 3149/2003 (Libraries and Access to Information); Law 4305/2014 (Open Data); EU Directive 2019/1024 (Open Data and the Reuse of Public Sector Information); Greek Constitution (Article 5A); and UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021).

4. Policy Statement

The University of Thessaly guarantees public access to its libraries and information resources, subject to operational and copyright conditions.
2. Members of the public may enter library facilities during established opening hours and make use of reading spaces, reference materials, and open collections.
3. According to the University of Thessaly Library Loan Policy (available at http://www.lib.uth.gr), the general public may register as external users and borrow materials under the same rules that apply to non-academic members. Public users are also entitled to use library facilities, electronic catalogues, and study areas.
4. Borrowing privileges and digital access may be extended to non-university users through registration and adherence to library policies.
5. The University maintains an Institutional Repository providing open access to theses, dissertations, and research outputs in line with Open Science principles.
6. The Library System shall ensure that a significant portion of its digital and physical holdings remains publicly accessible.
7. Users must respect intellectual property laws, data protection, and ethical research standards.
8. Library spaces shall be accessible to all persons, in accordance with Article 26 of Law 4067/2012 and Policy #82 (Accessible Facilities).
9. The University may provide specialized public programs, exhibitions, and outreach activities that promote literacy, cultural awareness, and community education.
10. Access may be temporarily restricted only for preservation, renovation, or security purposes.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Library Office manages access policies, user registration, and resource sharing.
– The Rector oversees implementation and alignment with national and EU open access frameworks.
– The Information Systems Department maintains public access to digital repositories and online catalogues.
– The Legal Office ensures compliance with copyright and licensing regulations.

6. Monitoring and Review

The Library Office shall prepare annual reports on public use, access statistics, and digital engagement. This Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by legal or technological changes.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 4485/2017 (Framework for Higher Education);
Law 3149/2003 (Libraries and Access to Information);
Law 4067/2012, Article 26 (Accessibility);
EU Directive 2019/1024 (Open Data);
UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021);
University of Thessaly Library Loan Policy (http://www.lib.uth.gr);