Mission & Vision

Damiana Koutsomiha is the Head Librarian of Dimitris & Aliki Perrotis Library. She holds a BSc on Library and Information Systems and a MScEcon on Management of Library and Information Services from the University of Aberystwyth, Wales. She promotes library services to the community through education, outreach and participation in professional conferences, trainings, publications and research groups. Her research interests cover a range of issues such as digital literacies, evaluation of Web resources, knowledge management, library instruction.

Over the years her vision and mission as a librarian has taken concrete form: to strengthen the learning process of students and provide the means and foundations through teaching for the development of critical thinking in the chaos of information as well as the fundamental value of lifelong learning. When not teaching she likes to return to her first favorite job as librarian: identifying information and reaching where her users cannot and ultimately provide them with the necessary tools to reach the desired information on their own.

 

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Email: dkouts@afs.edu.gr

Telephone: +30 2310 492889

Skype: damiana.koutsomiha1

Fotini Traka is the Cataloging Librarian at Dimitris & Aliki Perrotis Library. She received a BSc in Library and Information Systems from Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki in 2000. From 2001 to the present her main labor and responsibility has been to apply special cataloging for the library holdings in order to create electronic library catalogs for its users. In addition to the above, she answers reference questions, serves the library’s users at the front desk and educates users at OPAC, personally or through organized presentations.

All of her experience with the process of building a catalog has made her appreciate the value of a good, organized library catalog and how this catalog can make people’s lives easier in a library. She believes that every catalog is a “living organism” her main target is to maintain, supplement, enrich  and update all library catalogs of the American Farm School educational programs, so that in the future every user can adapt a paraphrase to a row of G.Ritsos’ poem “And so, my brother”: “I’d organize for you, within an hour / a hundred catalogs like these. / That’s what we want”…

 

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Email: ftraka@afs.edu.gr

Telephone: +30 2310 492883

Iro Sotiriadou is the Academic Librarian working at the “Dimitris & Aliki Perrotis” Central Library of the AFS, responsible for managing the Library’s electronic resources. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MA in Translation Studies both from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as a BSc in Library Science and Information Systems from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Iro focuses on serving library users and promoting library services through the development of electronic resources (online subject and information literacy guides, library’s website development, etc.) and digital curation of the library’s digital assets (digital Archives, Institutional Repository, etc.). She also provides research and referencing assistance and guidance to the Perrotis College students and faculty. She currently co-teaches a 1st year Bachelor’s course at Perrotis College, she gives library orientation tours to Perrotis College freshmen, and she gives bibliographic instruction courses. Iro participates in professional conferences and online training seminars, and her research interests include digital curation, knowledge management and evaluation, the use of web technologies in libraries, teacher librarianship, and embedded librarianship.

During the years working as a librarian, her mission and vision have shifted in turning the Library’s patrons from passive and dependent users to active and independent users and learners, by promoting metacognitive strategies in library instruction. She values the importance of lifelong learning and cherishes the significance of cultivating students’ research skills and critical thinking.

 

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Book an Appointment with me!

Email: isotir@afs.edu.gr

Telephone: +30 2310 492882

Sissy Bamba has worked as a library assistant at the ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ library since 1999, and she is responsible for the circulation of library materials. Her studies in Mathematics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the experience gained from her cooperation with her librarian colleagues have allowed her to combine the two disciplines and discover how the two fields connect in new and creative ways.

Sissy is the first person who visitors see when they enter our library and a reference guide for any question. Her tasks are not limited to the functions of a Library circulation desk; she deals with new material purchases, monitors the Library’s budget, and performs various other activities aimed at maintaining the library’s operation as smoothly as possible. Her goal every day is to promote services that will inform and educate the Library’s patrons.

 

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Email: sbamba@afs.edu.gr

Telephone: +30 2310 492880

Vivi Vasileiadou is currently engaged with the Historical Archives of the American Farm School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of History and Archaeology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as a Master of Science in Cultural Unit Management from the Hellenic Open University. Been trained in preventive conservation of artworks and archival collection. Working diligently to ensure the archive’s long-term preservation—shielding it from future deterioration, maintaining its continuity through digitization, and securing its accessibility to researchers.

As a historian, her vision is to contribute to the transmission of knowledge to future generations.

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Email: pvasil@afs.edu.gr 
Telephone: +30 2310 492888

Jason Spanopoulos is an archivist and librarian at the American Farm School; he is a graduate of the Department of Library Science, Archival Science, and Information Systems at the International University of Greece. The goal of his work is to document, digitize, and organize the historical archival materials of the American Farm School and to assist researchers in locating information and sources within the Archives.

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Email: ispano@afs.edu.gr 
Telephone: +30 2310 492888

Alia Al-Wir is the Library Archivist Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year. She graduated in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations from Harvard University. While at university, she studied abroad in Greece and had the opportunity to conduct research at various archives around the world. These experiences made her extremely passionate about documenting and understanding our past. Today, she works at AFS’ archive helping with organizing efforts, scanning and digitizing, and assisting patrons in navigating the extensive collection.

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Email: archivesfellow@afs.edu.gr 
Telephone: +30 2310 492882

Our library aims to present a new and contemporary service model: an inspiring learning environment that motivates collaborative and individual scholarship, enhances teaching, learning and research on campus, and promotes academic achievement for the American Farm School (AFS) and Perrotis College and the Private Higher Vocational Training School (ISAEK) students, faculty and staff, etc.

The below listed terms and conditions of using the Library are intended to ensure that all our patrons (students, faculty, staff, etc.) have access to the range of resources, services, and facilities that are available for use. These terms cover the use of our physical spaces, namely the ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ library (DAPL), which can be used by students, faculty and staff of Perrotis College and ISAEK.

The Library holds the right to suspend the library privileges of any patron who does not comply with the below Terms and Conditions.

 

Becoming a Member of the Library

 

1. In order to become a member of our Library and gain access to our services, you need a) to fill in the Library Application Card form and b) belong to one of the patron categories mentioned in the form (i.e. to have some sort of connection to the Institution).

2. To check your borrowing privileges, as well as other information regarding the available resources/facilities, please visit the Library’s website or refer to the Library staff.

3. Patrons must report lost Library Cards to the Library’s front desk, or via email at: library@afs.edu.gr.

4. Once patrons are issued a Library Card, they are also granted off-campus access to the Library’s electronic resources, with a personalized username and password.

5. Patrons are kindly asked to notify the Library of any changes to their personal contact information (change of email address, residency address, phone number, etc.).

6. When a patron’s membership expires, but they are still members of Perrotis College, they are kindly asked to inform the Library so that their library cards can be renewed.

7. The Library safeguards patrons’ personal information. If a patron ceases being a member of Perrotis College, their personal information (i.e. their Library membership and off-campus credentials for accessing the electronic databases) are erased from the Integrated Library System.

 

Using the Library services and resources

 

1. Library items (i.e. books, journals, electronic devices, etc.) may be borrowed according to the borrowing privileges of each Library group (please visit the Library’s website or consult the Library staff). Patrons may also request and borrow item(s) from another library in Thessaloniki (Interlibrary loan service). For more information, please visit the Library’s website or consult the Library staff.

2. All library items must not be annotated, marked, or damaged in any way upon their return to the Library.

3. In order to borrow an item, patrons must have their Library cards with them.

4. The Library may withhold or restrict the circulation of an item.

5. Patrons will be notified via email if a borrowed item has crossed its due date and needs to be returned to the Library.

6. Patrons wishing to renew the borrowed items must contact the Central Library front desk (Princeton Hall building) either in person or notify the library via email at library@afs.edu.gr.

7. Photocopying materials from the Library must comply with the Greek Copyright Law (No. 2121/1993). Photocopying an entire book/journal is prohibited.

8. Patrons can access the online electronic resources (electronic databases with academic journals and eBooks) through their personal username and password, issued by the Library once they become members. The said username and password should not be transferred to any other individual.

9. Patrons should follow the publishers’ restrictions in using the online resources (academic articles and eBooks), which are displayed with each resource through the Library’s electronic databases.

 

Using the Library Premises

 

1. Patrons may enter the Library only during the opening hours for the public.

2. Patrons should respect other patrons who wish to study/read in silence.

3. Snacks are allowed inside the Library, with the exception of the computer labs.

4. Mobile phones must be switched to “silent” or “vibration” inside the Library. The use of mobile phones to place or receive calls should be restricted to the front desk area, or the stairwells of the building, and not at the study or work areas.

5. Patrons are expected to treat Library staff and other patrons inside the Library with respect at all times. Any patron behaving inconsiderately or inappropriately will be asked to leave the premises.

6. Patrons are expected to behave considerately (including consumption of food and drink) in the Library, so that other users may work in an atmosphere conducive to study.

7. Trash is to be disposed of in the wastepaper baskets provided all around the Library.

8. Patrons must look after personal property at all times and must not leave personal possessions unattended. The Library assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of any patron’s personal possessions.

9. It is forbidden to bring into the Library premises objects which, in the judgment of the Library staff, may cause damage to the library material.

10. Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the Library.

The ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ Central Library supports the American Farm School (AFS) and Perrotis College’s educational and research needs by providing faculty, students, staff, and external users access to desktop computers, laptops, and tablets within its facilities, thus promoting academic research and scholarship.

To this end, the Central Library has developed the present Computer Use Policy, to ensure the appropriate use of the aforementioned equipment.

 

Computer, Laptop, Tablet, and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Access and Proper Use

 

1. All library’s electronic equipment does not require a password in order to be activated.

2. AFS and Perrotis College faculty, students, and staff have priority access to computer equipment inside the Central Library.

3. External users may use the computer equipment of the Central Library free of charge, but with limited screen time, due to the large number of patrons within the Institution who have priority access to the aforementioned equipment.

4. Library computer equipment shall be primarily used for academic purposes (studying, research, and teaching). Patrons using the equipment for recreational purposes (such as game playing, internet browsing, etc.) shall be asked to pass their seat to patrons who need the equipment for academic research.

5. Using computers for commercial use or private financial gain is prohibited.

6. Computers, laptops, and tablets are locked in ‘Deep Freeze’ mode, to prevent the downloading of inappropriate content or applications. Patrons are not allowed to download and install any kind of software to the library’s electronic equipment.

7. Use of Library resources that is in violation of the Greek Copyright law is prohibited. Patrons are expected to respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism.

8. Library laptops may be used only inside the Central Library premises. In extreme cases, laptops may be borrowed with the student’s library card only overnight (1 day).

9. Library staff reserves the right to check laptop, tablet, and computer monitors periodically for potential inappropriate use.

10. Any attempt to deface or damage the library’s electronic equipment (hardware or software), alter software configurations, conduct malicious activities using the Institution’s network, or engage in any illegal activities is strictly prohibited. Patrons caught doing any of the aforementioned acts shall be denied access to the Library’s computer equipment and shall be charged with replacement costs and fees for the damaged equipment.

 

General Regulations

 

1. Patrons should carry a USB stick, external hard-drive or use an online storage space to save their work. Once computers, laptops, and tablets are shut down, all data is lost. The Library assumes no responsibility for any lost files.

2. During times of high demand (e.g. exam periods or study week), patrons should be sensitive to the needs of their peers and limit computer equipment use to the absolute necessary.

3. Personal laptops are welcome to the Central Library, provided that the patrons ensure that the charging tablets of their devices do not obstruct the passage of other users and staff inside the Library.

4. The consumption of food and/or beverages (with the exception of water) next to electronic equipment in the Central Library is prohibited.

Purpose and Application

 

This Library Collection Development Policy sets out the principles, procedures, and criteria on the basis of which the Library develops, manages, and evaluates its collections, ensuring the adequacy and suitability of the Institution’s learning and research resources.

 

The Library ensures that its collections:

 

— are adequate for the successful completion of courses,

— support assignments, dissertations, and research projects,

— are accessible both on-site and remotely.

— there is a balance between Greek-language and foreign-language material, and

— cover multiple scientific approaches.

 

The Policy:

— is regularly evaluated in collaboration with the Foundation’s Library Committee,

— is updated to respond to new program requirements, and

— incorporates the results of external evaluations and recommendations.

 

Library Mission

 

The purpose of the ‘Dimitris and Aliki Perrotis’ Library collections is to support the educational, research, and informational needs of the Perrotis College users, namely its faculty, students, and staff.

This Collection Development Policy guides the Library in the process of selecting, acquiring, evaluating, and preserving its materials, and serves as a strategic framework for the overall development of the collections. This policy is dynamic and is regularly reviewed to respond to the changing needs of the Library and its users, developments in scientific knowledge, and new technologies and forms of information.

To achieve the highest possible level of academic support, the Library’s collections include a variety of print and electronic resources, such as print books, print and electronic journals, electronic scientific articles and books, as well as material accessible via the Internet.

 

Alignment with Mission and Curricula

 

The development of library collections is directly linked to:

 

— the learning objectives and expected learning outcomes of the curricula,

— teaching, learning, and research needs, and

— the mission and strategy of the Institution.

 

The Library prioritizes the acquisition of materials that support the College’s programs, while also promoting interdisciplinarity and lifelong learning.

 

Selection and Development Procedures

 

The selection and development of collections are carried out through established and transparent procedures, with the participation of:

 

— the Library Steering Committee,

— the Teaching Staff,

— the Librarians.

 

Priorities

 

When developing the collection, priority is given to material and subjects that directly support the Perrotis College’s study programs. Material of general interest or not directly related to the curriculum is collected to a lesser extent with the aim of enhancing the general intellectual cultivation of users, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge, and providing entertainment.

 

Current situation

 

The Library maintains a print collection of approximately 18,000 books, subscribes to 8 Greek and foreign print journals, and has access to databases that include e-books and e-journals.

 

Material selection procedures

 

The College Library Committee is responsible for implementing and supervising the material acquisition plan for books. At the same time, it advises the Library and the College on issues relating to printed and electronic sources, as well as on matters relating to the needs and problems of students.

The members of the Committee are the Head of the Library, the Perrotis College Librarian, and the Heads of Departments. The Committee meets twice a year.

Teaching staff members should propose the purchase of books or electronic resources to the Chairs of each department for approval. Approved sources are then forwarded by the Department Chairs to the Perrotis College Librarian for availability checks.

Materials added to the Library collections are, primarily, acquired by way of purchase, while gifts and bequests of collections are a welcome supplementary component of collection development. Proper application of the Library’s collection development report goals make it inevitable that only a small percentage of the gifts received will ultimately be added to the collection.

 

Prior to accepting a gift collection it is necessary for the librarians to learn as much as possible about the content and size of the donation. In the event that the offered materials do not appear to be appropriate for the Library, as defined in the Library’s collection development policy, other potential recipients for the gift should be suggested to the donor.

 

In the event that the Library accepts a book donation, the following points will be made clear to the Donor:

 

— It is probable that all of the donated materials will not be added to the collection;

— The donor will authorize the Library, in writing, to attempt to donate unneeded items to other libraries;

— The donated collection will not be kept together on the shelves but will be distributed throughout the collection, in accordance with the Library’s classification criteria;

— The donor shall not require the library to post a name sign identifying the donor.

 

Similarly, the Library will:

 

— Acknowledge, in writing, receipt of all bequests, listing types and numbers of materials donated;

— Express its appreciation in a letter signed by the head librarian. In the event that the donor is an AFS Trustee or a ranking public official, it is recommended that the AFS president sign the letter of appreciation;

— Provide copies of all communications with donors to the AFS Office of Institutional Advancement.