FANI GIANNAKOPOULOU

Fani Giannakopoulou is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Archival, Library and Information Studies of the University of West Attica.

She holds a degree in Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology from the University of Athens and a degree in Librarianship and Information Studies from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. She recently completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Archival, Library and Information Studies of the University of West Attica as well as her postgraduate studies in the same department, in the program “Information Management in Libraries Archives Museums”.

Fani has engaged in research programs at the Library of the European University Institute in Florence, the National Library of Greece, the Library of the College of Athens, and the Library of the Metropolitan College. Since February 2022, she has been employed at the Library of the Amsterdam International Community School.

Research interests:

Innovative library services, Bibliotherapy, Digital literacy, Consulting, Educational activities of cultural organizations.

Indicative Title of Doctoral Research:

Utilizing the power of texts. Bibliotherapy and the role of the library and the librarian.

Abstract

The efficacy of reading as a therapeutic tool has been acknowledged since ancient times and has remained a subject of philosophical contemplation across various epochs. This therapeutic application of reading is commonly referred to as bibliotherapy. At its core, bibliotherapy relies on a fundamental element, the book, which establishes a clear nexus between bibliotherapy and the role of librarians and libraries. In contemporary society, libraries are actively seeking new social roles and endeavoring to develop modern services for both their current patrons and potential users. This thesis will scrutinize bibliotherapy as a method that can be implemented as a service within the framework of a modern library. Of particular interest is the role of the librarian and its alignment with the fundamental nature, objectives, and design of bibliotherapy programs.

The research proposal seeks to explore the full spectrum of bibliotherapy and assess the potential for librarian and library involvement, encompassing a diverse range of roles with varying degrees of autonomy, with a specific emphasis on reading groups. Furthermore, this research will examine the viability of incorporating libraries into bibliotherapy programs, in close collaboration with mental health experts and librarians. An effort will also be made to develop bibliotherapy programs that can serve the entire community and specific demographic groups within it.

In addition to an extensive review of relevant literature, this study will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as questionnaires, interviews, and case studies. Particular attention will be given to systematically observing bibliotherapy programs that have been implemented in libraries, as well as those that have been conducted internationally, with varying degrees of library involvement. Finally, the study will investigate strategies for promoting and introducing this novel service in the Greek context, along with the response of the Greek library community to such a prospect.