Half-day Library Visits: Helsinki Metropolitan Area

Friday, August 17, 2012

Half-day Library Visits can be booked onsite only and these visits are subject to availability. Helsinki Metropolitan Area Library Visits can be reached by public transport and delegates can use their free HSL travel ticket to travel to the library locations. The only exception is Helsinki 14 to Sipoo which must be reached via a regional bus with a fare.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for Half-day Library Visits in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area will be at the Paasikivenaukio (Paasikivi Square). This is an open space located in the city centre at the corner of Mannerheim Street and Arkadia Street. The main post office, the Kiasma and the Parliament House are also located nearby. Please look out for the IFLA volunteers and IFLA WLIC 2012 signs which will be present at Paasikivenaukio. The IFLA volunteers will assist and guide you to the Library Visit you have registered for.

Important:

Please arrive 15 minutes before your Library Visit is due to commence.

Please be sure to check the details of your Library Visit tour at the Library Visit desk in the Registration Area prior to Friday, 17 August.

(In the unlikely event that it is raining, the meeting point will change to the Lasipalatsi Passage which is located adjacent to the Paasikivenaukio.The Library Visit desk can update you on this on Thursday, 16 August.)

Helsinki 1

08.45 AM - 01.15 PM
Includes shopping time nearby Aralis
Language: English

Aralis Library and Information Centre brings together four libraries uniting information on art, design and culture with literature. Aralis is one of the largest joint libraries in Finland offering a diverse and inspiring environment for learning, exploring new information and ideas for artistic activities and recreation. The library provides a modern multifunctional space with artworks specifically designed for the library by local artists. The library centre has become the heart of Helsinki's Arabianranta, a district renowned for its history and continuing active engagement with the arts and design. Welcome to visit us in Arabianranta!

Aalto University Arabia Campus Library (School of Arts, Design and Architecture)
Aalto University Library serves customers on three different campuses: Arabia, Otaniemi and Töölö. Aalto University Arabia Campus Library (former University of Art and Design Library) is a public research library that serves students, staff and other users. The purpose of the library is to provide support for teaching at Aalto University, and research in the subjects of visual arts, design, art education and audio-visual communication. Arabia Campus Library's collections also include the collections of the Finnish Comics Society and Finnish Animation Articles. The other Aalto University Campus Libraries are Otaniemi and Töölö.
Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Resource Library or Arts and Culture
Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Resource Library for Arts and Culture serves students and staff from the degree programmes in Film and Television, Performing Arts, Cultural Management, Media Production and Media.
Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory Library
Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory Library's primary aim is to support the teaching of rhythm music at the Pop & Jazz Conservatory and the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and to promote research in jazz and popular music in general.
Helsinki City Library - Arabianranta Library
Hämeentie 150 became a familiar address to Helsinki´s Toukola residents over the years. The address was home to the Toukola Library from 1954 until the start of the millennium, and was one of the smallest branches in the Helsinki City Library system. Since the construction of the new residential area of Arabianranta, the library required more space in order to serve the increasing number of users. New premises were found in the Aralis Library and Information Centre, where the library relocated to in early 2004. Following the relocation Toukola library was renamed Arabianranta Library a branch of Helsinki City Library. As a public library it primarily serves Arabianranta's local residents.

Helsinki 2

12.45PM - 05.00 PM

Celia Library
Languages: English and Swedish

See our virtual tour of the library.

Welcome to Celia Library! As our guest, you will tour Celia Library and a part of Iiris - The Service and Activity Centre for the Visually Impaired.

What is Celia?
Celia is a state-owned specialist library which produces and provides literature in accessible formats for persons with print disabilities.

What does Celia Library do?
Celia produces and lends works of fiction and non-fiction as talking books, Braille books and electronic books, free of charge. In addition, Celia produces and sells or lends textbooks in accessible formats to private persons and primary and secondary schools. Celia Library even hosts a special collection of some 750 tactile books for children with disabilities.

Celia's aim is to work towards equality for persons with print disabilities, in terms of access to literature and information. In 2010, Celia had around 15,000 users who took out almost one million loans in total. Along with individual users with print disabilities, our users also include organizations such as nursing homes, day-care centers and public libraries who have users or clients with print disabilities.

Celia Library is located in Eastern Helsinki, in a building that has been specifically designed for persons with sensory or physical disabilities. Special features of the building include large print, Braille, and tactile signs, guiding tactile tiles, strips, and handrails, talking elevator and audible beacons, contrasts, colors, and acoustic qualities improved by spaces with various echoes.

During your visit, Celia offers:

tour of the library,
exhibition of tactile picture books and other tactile materials,
tour of some of the accessibility features in the Iiris building.

Helsinki City Library - Myllypuro Media Library
Languages: English and Swedish

Our newest library (2011) is actually a former newspaper reading room. We have kept the core where one can still find an inviting collection of newspapers and magazines. However Myllypuro "The Library Ten of the East" is also a place where one can use the studio to make a radio program or video. Or if one needs help when applying for a job using electronic forms, then this is the place to come for help. Myllypuro is situated in a multicultural low income area in the eastern part of Helsinki. Its concept is planned in cooperation with local residents associations and the city's Social Services Department. Together we strive for interactive and innovative services.

Helsinki 3

08.45 AM - 01.30 PM

Helsinki City Library - Kallio Library
Languages: English, French, Russian and Swedish

Kallio library is the second oldest branch library in Helsinki. The library moved into its current, purpose built, premises in 1912. The building was financed by municipal funds, and as such it was the first one of its kind in Finland. In the early 20th century Kallio was distinctly a working-class area and the new library building was very centrally located. Both the library and the nearby church were built at the same time and are landmarks on the hill they share.

Over the course of years the library has been refurbished several times. Between 1989-1990, a large-scale work was carried out in order to modernize the functional and technical aspects of the building. Largest part of the work was done in the attic, which was taken into use, allowing the children's department to move there. Twenty years later, 2009-2010, another renovation followed, when the service area was modernized and the return and check-out services were automated. With new technology, logistical challenges of busy service are easier to manage.

Kallio is an evolving district of the city; still partly working class neighborhood although students and young families are becoming more numerous. It is known as a very lively and bohemian area. Statistically one third of the artists living in the greater Helsinki area live in Kallio or nearby.

Today Kallio library is known for its great variety of events and activities. The library regularly hosts author interviews, music and art performances, meetings of local clubs and societies and film screenings. Baby Kino, a weekly event that is aimed at parents of little children, was launched with a great success at the end of the year 2010. The key ingredient in the success of these events is the co-operation with local partners.

The ability to adapt to the changing needs of users is distinctive to Kallio library. It is both traditional and modern. Three main strengths can be distinguished:

Services for children, families and local schools,
Extensive collection of fiction including the crime and mystery collection donated by the Finnish Whudunnit Society,
Communality

During the IFLA conference, the library staff will be interviewing library users in order to collect stories and memories regarding the library and the district. New ideas for the development of the library will also be collected. The interviews will take place in tents erected to the nearby park. These interviews are part of the library's one hundred year anniversary festivities.

Kallio is known as a lively and intriguing city district and the library is an active member of the surrounding community.

We wish to welcome the IFLA visitors to visit us and see us at work in our old and beautiful library.

Helsinki City Library - Vallila Library
Languages: English, Russian and Swedish

The Vallila library is focused on design, arts, and events. It is a mid-sized library in the Vallila district and serves as the local residents' living room. It is one of the oldest serving libraries in the Helsinki City Library system, and is today housed in a wooden building. The building resides in a primarily working class area. The building itself represents a modern design and draws many visitors for its architectural merits. Within the same complex, there functions a day-care with which the library shares an interior yard. The library underwent a remodeling in 2008 to its service functions and offerings; an example of which is the thematic organization of its non-fiction collections. Our strength are: art and design; green library and cooperation with local agents.

In addition to the general collection the library serves as an art gallery, in which it cooperates with local artist associations.

The Vallila library is the first library to receive the Ekokompassi label, related to its ecological efforts. The library is also active in informing about ecological issues and topics.

Helsinki 4

12.00 AM - 04.30 PM

Helsinki City Library - Oulunkylä Library
Languages: English and Estonian

Welcome to the Oulunkylä Library! The Oulunkylä Library is a modern fountain of knowledge and stories. In addition, it provides residents of Oulunkylä with a comfortable living room right in the heart of the district. The library, located next to the shopping centre Ogeli, has been one of the most popular among the city libraries. The library was opened in its current location in 1987. In late 2010, it went through a complete overhaul: the interior was renovated from floor to ceiling. After the facelift, the library is truly beautiful, comfortable and inviting.

The goals of the change are:

ensuring consistent service quality,
making the services easier to use,
improving the display arrangements of books and other items,
increasing comfort by focusing on the color scheme and appealing interior decoration materials, among other things.

Helsinki City Library - Vuosaari Library
Languages: English and Russian

The Vuosaari library is a branch library of Helsinki City Library and is a part of the Vuosaari Cultural Center. That center is a good example of modern Finnish architecture (designed by Heikkinen-Komonen architects). It was built in 2001. The Vuosaari library is working in a close relationship with other partners in the Cultural Center (schools, adult education center and the cultural office of Helsinki). The Vuosaari library is a modern public library with lots of computers for visitors and has a very active and innovative children and youth department. There is also a special young adults section in Vuosaari library. KuMuKi-booktalk is one of the innovations which were designed in the Vuosaari library. Vuosaari is a multicultural suburb and our aim is to give good service to everybody in Vuosaari. In addition to basic library services we specialize in helping our customers with computer problems.

Helsinki 5

01.00 PM - 16.00 PM

Helsinki City Library - Library 10
Languages: English and Swedish

Located in the city center's main post office building, Library 10 is a modern music library yet is so much more. As would be expected, it offers the most diverse music collection in Helsinki. There are also movies, travel guides, comic books, and fiction available for loaning. In addition to traditional library services, Library 10 tests and offers many new services to its patrons. It provides facilities and equipment for customers to bring their musical creations to fruition. The rehearsal and audio-editing rooms allow users to practice or record music. There is the Stage, which functions as a venue for cultural performances, discussions, and other exhibits. Library 10's staff is both young and young at heart, and as such is a reflection of much of its users. Library 10 is constantly changing, updating, and rearranging itself in response to the needs of its users. The one constant is that Library 10 is a popular public space in the center of the city where people gather to meet, work, relax, and just hang out. And since it is open seven days and 78 hrs a week, it is easy to find time to pop in for a visit.

Helsinki City Library - Meetingpoint
Language: English

Meetingpoint@lasipalatsi is a center for learning and innovation. Citizens can learn how to use digital services and we provide assistance in job seeking. Our world renowned laptop services include the Laptop Doctor, the Laptop Club and the Starthour. As part of our mandate, services are provided in collaboration with associations, other bureaus and companies.

Urban Office is a new library service developed by Helsinki City Library. The Urban Office offers a calm working environment for the small business, entrepreneur or freelancer as an alternative to working in a café. The high quality Internet connections, furniture designed for working in a public space and customer service make the Urban Office a welcome addition to any city. In the Urban Office the mobile worker can attend events that support their business and make new connections among other patrons. Bringing entrepreneur expertise together from various bureaus and companies in the same space makes Urban Office also a facilitator for positive encouragement and change.

Helsinki 6

08.45 AM - 01.45 PM

Helsinki City Library - Rikhardinkatu Library
Languages: English and Swedish

Pictures:
http://www.lib.hel.fi/fi-FI/rikhardinkatu/kuvia/
and
http://www.facebook.com/Rikhardinkadunkirjasto?sk=photos

Rikhardinkatu library was opened in 1882 as the first permanent library building of the Helsinki City Library. It was also the first building in Scandinavia to have been designed and built specifically for use as a public library.

Due to its long tradition and central location, Rikhardinkatu library maintains a prominent place within the Helsinki City Library network. Due to the atmosphere of the building, it acts as a cultural centre, specialising in the visual arts. There are some 100,000 books in stock available for loan, over 400 newspapers and magazines, as well as a large selection of audio-visual material and reference works. In the Artotheque there are more than 3,000 works of art that may be lent out.

The special collections of the library are Artist's Books (RikArt) and the British Collection.

We specialize in fine arts, literary arts, library work with children, cooperation between schools and library.

Helsinki City Library - Library 10
Languages: English and Swedish

Located in the city center's main post office building, Library 10 is a modern music library yet is so much more. As would be expected, it offers the most diverse music collection in Helsinki. There are also movies, travel guides, comic books, and fiction available for loaning. In addition to traditional library services, Library 10 tests and offers many new services to its patrons. It provides facilities and equiPMent for customers to bring their musical creations to fruition. The rehearsal and audio-editing rooms allow users to practice or record music. There is the Stage, which functions as a venue for cultural performances, discussions, and other exhibits. Library 10's staff is both young and young at heart, and as such is a reflection of much of its users. Library 10 is constantly changing, updating, and rearranging itself in response to the needs of its users. The one constant is that Library 10 is a popular public space in the center of the city where people gather to meet, work, relax, and just hang out. And since it is open seven days and 78 hrs a week, it is easy to find time to pop in for a visit.

Helsinki City Library - Meetingpoint
Language: English

Helsinki 7

08.45 AM - 01.00 PM

Helsinki City Library - Pohjois-Haaga Library
Languages: English and Swedish

The Pohjois-Haaga library, in a location that was originally grocery store, is well respected famous for its high standard of service. The library interior underwent a full renovation in 2006- 2007. The small library, only 347 square meters, is in the heart of community and is full of light and bright colors. Easily accessible, it is a common meeting place in neighborhood for everyone, from little children to senior citizens. Even dogs are allowed to come in to the library. Resident associations and many other local active bodies often gather around the table in the library.

Helsinki City Library - Käpylä Library
Language: English

Käpylä is a very popular residential area in the middle of Helsinki. It is well-known for its wooden houses, gardens and the Olympic Village. In Käpylä, the idea of multi-storied housing area constructed in stone has been assimilated into a combination of English-type garden city and Finnish small-town milieu. Originally, in 1920, Käpylä suburb was built in order to provide housing for increasing working-class population in Helsinki but nowadays Käpylä is a trendy residential area favored by artists, authors, academics and journalists.

The Olympic Village was erected for the Olympic Games of 1940. Owing to World War II, the 1940 Helsinki Olympics games were cancelled and the last buildings of the Olympic Village were actually built years later. Käpylä library is part of the Olympic Village.

Helsinki 8

09.00 AM - 12.00 AM

Helsinki University Main Library - The Kaisa House
Languages: English, French, Russian and Swedish

Pictures:
http://www.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/press/

The Helsinki University Library is Finland's largest multidisciplinary university library. It provides information and library services across a number of disciplines at four university campuses. The Library is open to all and offers open access to the academic sources of knowledge.

At the City Centre Campus of the Helsinki University construction on the new library building will already be complete in August, but the library will not have moved in completely. The library will open to the public in September. The building will house the library services of the Faculties of Arts, Law, Social Sciences, and Theology, and also the textbook collections of all the faculties on the campus.

The American Resource Center and the centralised services of the Helsinki university library will also move into the new building. Centralised services are responsible for coordinating the library and information services, especially for acquisitions and cataloguing of the Library's information materials, and for the University's digital library services.

Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects
NB: only appointed visits at 15-16 August between 6 PM and 8 PM and at 17 August as a part of the library visit programme - the library will officially open in September 2012.

Specialities: the largest and newest university library in Finland, RFID, large textbook collection for home loan.

Helsinki 9

12.00 AM - 04.45 PM

Helsinki University Library - Kumpula Campus Library
Languages: English and Russian

Pictures:
http://www.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/press/Kumpula/

Helsinki University Library is Finland's largest multidisciplinary university library. It provides information and library services across a number of disciplines at four university campuses. The Library is available open to all and offers open access to the sources of scientific knowledge.

Kumpula Campus Library - A science library serving researchers, teachers and students. The Kumpula Campus(built in 2001) is the largest natural sciences research campus in the Nordic Countries. Library and information services are offered also for such national research centers as HIP (Helsinki Institute of Physics), HIIT (Helsinki Institute of Information Technology), VERIFIN (Finnish Institute for Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention), and FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute).

Physics, geosciences and atmospheric sciences, chemistry, geography, mathematics and statistics, computer science and astronomy comprise most of the collection.

Specialities: services for the largest Natural Sciences Campus in Nordic Countries, cooperation with research institutions, co-creation of an inspiring learning environment.
Exhibition: Presentation of new student friendly learning environment.

Helsinki University Library - Viikki Campus Library
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/press/Viikki/

Viikki Campus Library - Viikki Campus Library serves all who need information of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine.

Viikki Campus library serves the multidisciplinary clientele on one of the largest centres for life sciences in Europe. The campus is also known for its green fields and proximity to nature.

The library is situated at the heart of the campus in an architecturally interesting round shaped building called Info centre. Ecological sustainability was an important principle when the building was designed. The unique three winter gardens are also worth visiting. A special feature is the co-operation with Helsinki city library in the same building.

Viikki Campus Library is also the FAO Resource Center in Finland. We deliver Finnish article- and book references on agriculture, food and forestry into AGRIS-database.

Our strengths are children's library services, ecology and recycling, situation in university area next to the Viikki Campus Library and co-operation with it.

Helsinki City Library - Viikki Library
Language: English

The Viikki library is a branch library of Helsinki City Library, and it is a part of the Infocenter Korona, which was built in 1999 on the Viikki campus area. The building is very modern and easily recognisable because of its round shape and blue glass surface. Ecological matters have been considered in the design, and the building is surrounded by a double wall, which conserves energy. The speciality of the building is the three winter gardens which are open to all visitors for reading and recreation.

Viikki library serves the Viikki and Pihlajamäki districts and people studying and working at the university. The library emphasises ecology and recycling in its functions and collection. Students and young adults are a large user group, but families with small children are a growing part of the clientele. The Viikki library is an active member of local groups concerning children and young people in the area. The library is also a popular place to study due to its good computer facilities and relaxed atmosphere.

Our strengths are: children's library services, ecology and recycling and situation in university area next to the Campus library.

Helsinki 10

09.00 AM - 01.30 PM

Helsinki University Library - City Centre Campus Library, Behavioural Sciences - Minerva
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/press/

City Centre Campus Library, Behavioural Sciences - Minerva (built in 2005) operates in an open, modern learning centre. Library specializes in a diversified range of disciplines in behavioural sciences: education, psychology, speech sciences, home economics and craft science. We arrange information literacy instruction in close collaboration with leading experts in learning and education.

Helsinki University Library - Learning Centre at Swedish School of Social Science
Language: English

The Swedish School of Social Science (SSKH) is an autonomous unit of the University of Helsinki, linked to the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Learning Centre's primary task is to serve the teachers, researchers and the students of the Swedish School of Social Science and the rest of the university. The Learning Centre is built in 2009 and is open to all.

Information services is given in Swedish (for the Swedish speaking minority in Finland), Ethnic and language minorities (welfare, identity, environment, media and citizenship), physical presence at and close integration in research and teaching activities.

The Learning Centre provides reading-room copies of obligatory course books, reference books , Finno-Swedish newspapers, a selection of Scandinavian journals, bachelor's theses and computer terminals and reading seats.

Helsinki 11

12.00 AM - 04.00 PM
Includes walk to Sibelius Monument

Helsinki University Library - Meilahti Campus Library Terkko
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.helsinki.fi/kirjasto/press/Terkko/

Meilahti Campus Library Terkko (built in 1998) offers medical and health information for students and researchers at the University of Helsinki, personnel of HUCH and all those who need information in library's subject fields.

Library is particularly known for its discipline-specific electronic services. Many of them - such as current awareness service FeedNavigator - are well-known both nationally and internationally. Library also produces the Finnish health sciences database Medic. Terkko is featured by its awarded medical humanities collection Lux Humana and WHO Special Collection. Our specialities: discipline-specific electronic services, medical humanities collection Lux Humana, WHO Special Collection.

Helsinki City Library - Töölö Library
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.lib.hel.fi/fi-FI/toolo/kuvia/

Throughout its history, Töölö Library has been at the head of library development, starting by being the first public branch library when established in 1899. The first music department in the Helsinki public library system was founded shortly after the present day building was completed. New technology has brought many new possibilities. CD-Roms, DVDs and Blu Rays were acquired soon after appearing on the market. At an early stage, customers were offered free computer use, and in 1994, the first Finnish Media Lab for children was opened at the Töölö library children's department.

The building was planned by professor Aarne Ervi and opened in 1970. It typifies modernism and is a fine example of library architecture in the 1960s.The library is situated next to the Topelius park. When the library building was being planned, one of the starting points was the seamless consolidation of the building and the surrounding park. Curved shapes, light colors, bright spaces divided by glass walls and large windows opening onto the park are typical architectural features.

Today users can, among other items, borrow e-book readers, energy consumption monitors and outdoor games. In the library, customers can use a free-of-charge wireless internet connection, record VHS recordings onto DVD records, play games on a Playstation, trade books at the recycling point or participate in any of the numerous happenings. The newest service is the Pocket Book Tower, with ten new titles in Finnish and five titles in Swedish and English every month. Here you can find titles that you would have to queue for otherwise.

Helsinki 12

9.30 AM - 12.30 PM

The National Library
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.nationallibrary.fi/infoe/introduction/kuvakierros_6.html

The National Library of Finland is the largest and oldest scientific library in the country. It is responsible for the collection, description and preservation of Finland's published national heritage and for making it accessible.

The library provides a unique body of reference material for use in research in the arts and social sciences in particular. The multidisciplinary historical collections provide a rich source for many other disciplines. A particularly significant section is the Slavonic Library, the largest collection of Russian publications from the 19th century outside of Russia.

The National Library of Finland also functions as a national service and development institution for libraries which plays a significant role in the construction of new infrastructure for research and the information society. As a vibrant cultural institution the Library also organizes exhibitions and other activities.

The main building of the National Library was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840). The neoclassical building is a milestone in Finnish architectural history and a significant element of Helsinki's historic empire style centre. The National Library is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful library buildings in the world.

Program: guided tour, presentation of core activities and strengths, two exhibitions.

Helsinki 13

01.00 PM - 04.00 PM

The National Library
Language: English

Pictures:
http://www.nationallibrary.fi/infoe/introduction/kuvakierros_6.html

Program: guided tour, presentation of core activities and strengths, two exhibitions.

Helsinki 14

12.00 AM - 04.00 PM

Sipoo Municipal Library - Söderkulla Library
Languages: English, German, Russian, Estonian, Greek and Swedish

Söderkulla library is an active and modern branch library in the bilingual municipality of Sipoo, in direct proximity to the capital of Helsinki. Inaugurated in late 2009, the library has been enthusiastically received and enjoyed a rocketing degree of use in times of universally decreasing loan figures. Located in a two storey multi-purpose building amidst the rolling scenery of Söderkulla, the library is characterized by its functional bilingualism as well as its open interiors and welcoming atmosphere, and is representative of modern Finnish municipal libraries catering information services for the local population in expanding rural areas.

Our library works in close symbiosis with the Sipoo Artists' Association, whose Artotheque is scattered along the library walls.

Helsinki 15

09.00 AM - 01.00PM

The Library of the Finnish Literature Society
Languages: English and Swedish

The Library of the Finnish Literature Society is a research library specialising in Finnish literature, literary studies and cultural research. The cultural research collections consist of domestic and international literature in the fields of folkloristic, anthropology, religious studies and ethnology.

The library is open to everyone. The collections and services are designed for researchers, university students and the general public.

The Finnish Literature Society was founded 1831. The Library of the Finnish Literature Society is the oldest still functioning library in Helsinki. The Society took early part in international exchange of scientific publications and organised the collecting of Finnish folklore and research of oral tradition. In the year 1835 the society published the Finnish epic Kalevala which since then has been translated to over 60 different languages and Kalevala is the most translated Finnish work of literature.

The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland
Languages: English and Swedish

The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland is a scholarly organization focused on the culture among the Swedish-speaking Finns. The word "culture" is to be understood in a broad context. The aims of the Society are realized through the historical and ethnological archives, the library, the publishing unit, the research unit, the distribution of scholarships, and the financial ad-ministration. The library of the Society contains old and new scientific literature, mainly in the humanities, as well as several historically valuable special collections. The library contributes actively to research and education, especially within its own area of emphasis, the history of books.

Helsinki 16

09.00 AM - 12.30 PM

Art Libraries Walk through Sörnäinen: Theatre Academy (TeaK) - Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (KuvA) - National Audiovisual Archive (KAVA)
Language: English

Art Libraries Walk through Sörnäinen includes visits to the libraries of the Theatre Academy (TeaK), Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (KuvA) and the National Audiovisual Archive (KAVA). The walk is less than a kilometre long and thus easily realized. Each library represents unique expertise in its own field and their collections are among the most extensive in Finland. The general theme of the presentations is digitization and special characteristics of digital material in art libraries.

Theatre Academy Library is specialized in drama, theatre and dance. The Library develops its services for both artists and researchers and functions as an information centre for performing arts in Finland. TeaK's library has a collection from Viipuri Theatre (nowadays Viipuri is part of Russian Federation). Collection includes unique manuscripts and plays between 19th and 20th century. Material has been in Viipuri Theatre repertory before WW II.

Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Library focuses on contemporary art. The library has a digital image archive DIA. It includes images of art works from exhibitions by students of the Academy and other visual material related to the university's activities. One challenge of the future in the library will be digitization of the artistically unique Master's thesis project documentations.

The National Audiovisual Archive Library has Finland's largest and most versatile library of moving images literature. A massive content digitization project is underway in KAVA, already well progress in 2012. The archiving of television and radio programs as well as the excellent film collection will surely also be of interest to the visitors.

The tour does not give general answers to the question how to deal with the issue of digitization in art libraries, but exposes special qualities of these libraries and shows how they continuously develop their work to keep up with the times.

Exhibitions and happenings during the visits:

TeaK: Theatre Academy Helsinki is lively university, full of happenings and performance. At our website you can find current affairs.
KuvA: An exhibition of the MFA thesis project documentations at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts library. Especially some of the older Master's thesis documentations have strong features of artists' books, for example hand bound volumes using diverse materials and methods.
KAVA: Finnish silent film stills -exhibition in KAVA's premises.

Special fields of the libraries:

TEAK: Performing Arts
KuvA: Contemporary Art
KAVA: Film, Radio, Television

Helsinki 17

09.00 AM - 12.00 AM
Includes walk to Temppeliaukio Church

Aalto University Library, Töölö
Language: English

Aalto University Library, Töölö is situated in Töölö district of the Helsinki. It was previously called Helsinki School of Economics and its history goes back to 1911 when HSE was founded. The key customers of the library are Aalto University students, especially in the field of business and economics, but a very important part of the clientele is from other schools and universities. Aalto University Library, Töölö is open to every citizen needing information about business and economics. The library has produced Helecon databases since 1970's. These databases are still going strong and sold to several countries around the world.

Aalto University Töölö Campus Library
Language: English

Aalto University Library serves customers on three different campuses: Arabia, Otaniemi and Töölö. Töölö Campus Library is a traditional and established source of information in economics, but also a forerunner in aiding students and faculty members to reach outstanding results in research and studies through our innovative e-resources and services. Our latest venture is the introduction of Aalto HUB, a unique space for students and anyone interested to share their views, innovate together or just chill out in an inspiring atmosphere.
Welcome to visit us in Töölö!

Hanken School of Economics Library
Languages: English and Swedish

The Hanken School of Economics origins date back to 1909, when it was founded by members of the local business community "as the most advanced educational institution in Finland with instruction in the Swedish language". Today the School has about 1900 students studying for BSc or MSc degrees, around 160 students studying for PhD degrees, and more international students than any other Finnish business university. Hanken is an internationally accredited (Equis and AMBA) university in the field of economics and business administration, with a leading position internationally within its four main research domains: finance and statistics, intellectual property law, management and organisation, service and relationship marketing and management. One of Hanken's hallmarks is the relationship of its research to its teaching. Research is the foundation of all teaching at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels as well as in Hanken's executive education programmes.

The library's main tasks is to ensure that these research and teaching efforts are based on excellent scientific sources of information, that skills necessary to utilize these sources are developed and that there is reliable support from competent and service oriented library staff available. The library also has an important role in the dissemination of research results of the School and nationally as an upholder of a Swedish domain in a more and more globalized information landscape.

Espoo & Kauniainen

09.00 AM - 02.30 PM

Espoo City - Ymmersta School Library
Languages: English and Swedish

The school of Ymmersta has a strong profile in teaching literature, drama and information skills. The school library, named after a famous story, 'Neverland', is situated in the heart of the school and it is an open and cosy learning environment. There are areas for nonfiction and fiction, and computers and books for young children who are learning to read. In Neverland there is a cosy corner for reading and round tables between the bookshelves to work in groups with information studies. Literature circles gather students together to read and discuss the books in which they are interested. Many students do literature diplomas, even the first grade students. Some students and classes read in virtual literature clubs in the Netlibris-project. Information skill studies go on according to the curriculum through the school years and are based on the information skill process that has been built in Espoo.

During Ymmersta School Library visit you can meet a school library in the heart of the school and students that love the library. Welcome to listen how the school has organized the information and literature studies! In Ymmersta school we are especially proud of the organized studies in literature circles and developing the information skill studies. Students are of age 6-12 years and there are about 320 students in the school. Ymmersta school teachers organize also in-service training for other teachers in Espoo.

Kauniainen City Library
Languages: English and Swedish

Our library strives to be a friendly, familiar place with individualized customer service, as well as a modern public library with a high degree of automation. All service is bilingual and offered to an equal extent in both Finnish and Swedish, to mirror the surrounding community. We would like to show you the facilities, including different self service options, and share our perspective on being a small independent library in a large library network.

Espoo City Library - Omena Library
Language: English and Swedish

Being located in Iso Omena (the Big Apple), a busy shopping centre complex, the Apple Library is within easy reach and only 10 min by bus from Helsinki.

The Apple Library (floor area 2589 m2) was the first shopping centre library in Finland and was established in 2001. According to the concept of public - private, there is also besides the library a citizen's office and a chapel in the centre.

The Apple Library serves as the Regional Library for the Matinkylä-Olari area and provides extensive collections, facilities for information retrieval and guidance in it as well as cozy surroundings for work, relaxation and even meditation by a Japanese Garden. Summertime also the terrace garden is a popular place.

We provide services for all different ages; from storytelling for children, book talks and information skills for pupils, to teaching senior citizens IT-skills needed in today's information society. Our service policy is based on self service both in the borrowing and returning of the material.

Inside the library is also the Artotheque of the Espoo Artists' Association.

Espoo 1

01.00 PM - 05.00 PM

Aalto University Library
Language: English

The Aalto University Library at Otaniemi is the oldest and largest technical library in Finland. Its task is to support and advance techno-scientific research, education and studying. The history of the library began when the Technical School of Helsinki was founded in 1849. Activity in the library building, designed by Alvar Aalto, at the Otaniemi campus started in January 1970. Since 2010 the former Helsinki University of Technology Library is one of the units of the Aalto University Library.

Aalto University Library serves customers on three different campuses: Arabia, Otaniemi and Töölö. Aalto University Library on the Otaniemi campus is located in the heart of the largest technology hub in the Nordic countries. The area features a mix of world-class research organizations, academic institutions and over 800 companies from start-ups to multinational corporations operating around a compact 4 kilometer campus. The library building and interior highlights Alvar Aalto's functionalism in its lasting architectural design. The library houses the largest collections in technology in Finland, offers a stimulating study and learning environment for the students, provides specialized researcher services, and is an inspiring atmosphere for all visitors. Welcome to visit us in Otaniemi!

Espoo City Library - Tapiola Library
Languages: English and Swedish

Tapiola Library is located in the Espoo Cultural Centre in middle of Tapiola Garden City. The monumental Cultural Centre, designed by professor Arto Sipinen, is reflected in the Central Pool and thereby connects with the surrounding white buildings. In addition to the library, other actors in the Cultural Centre include Espoo City Orchestra, Espoo City Theatre, Music Institute, Citizen's Office and a multitude of visiting theatre ensembles, music groups, movies and exhibitions. The population in this part of Espoo is older than in another parts of the city, resulting in targeted activities such as computer courses and digital photography for the elderly. CaringTV® functions interactively between the library and the shelter homes.
More information.

Espoo 2

08.45 AM - 01.45 PM

Espoo City Library - Entresse Library
Languages: English and Swedish

Entresse Library, situated in a lively shopping centre, and designed with happenings and leisure in mind, floods with light and colour. The space is easily convertible because the furniture is movable. The customers have also a permission to move the tables and chairs as they wish and make themselves comfortable. There is plenty of room reserved for children and youngsters.

Entresse library takes a laid-back and sometimes even a little unpredictable approach to its duty to civilize and educate. The atmosphere in the library is unaffected and convivial.

Entresse is a library designed especially for leisure and different kinds of events, where people from different age-groups and cultures have a chance to meet and interact. Particularly important are children and youth, for whom the library organizes events and workshops, providing them possibilities for learning, cultural refinement and hanging-out. In addition youth-workers are an integral part of the staff in Entresse's youth section. The elderly people actively participate in the library's internet and mobilephone courses as well as in the reading group.

The customers can also organize their own events in the library. The stage and the blue room are available for public use.

Entresse Library has been active in the social media for a long time and in the library we follow its develoPMent closely. Our proficient staff is enthusiastic about the new possibilities made available by the developing technology.

Entresse Library emphasizes: Social Media, Events promoting cross-cultural interaction and sense of community and Library services for children, youth and immigrants.

Espoo City Library - Sello Library
Languages: English, French and Swedish

Sello Library is the most frequented HelMet library within the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. It is open seven days a week. The library has two floors: the ground floor designed as a "library of events" and the second floor as a classical library.

The "library of events" is a space where all kinds of interactive cultural events can take place. The entrance hall of the library is a living room with a stage. On the ground floor there is the Children's Section, Pointti Section dedicated to young adults, Music Section and Newspapers and Periodicals Section.

The classical library provides literature and small-scale cultural happenings for adults. Clubs and groups of people can get together there. The themes vary from politics to crocheting. The library offers a large variety of cultural activities. Learning activities and serving students are also an essential part of the service.

Helsinki & Vantaa

08.45 AM - 03.00 PM

Helsinki French-Finnish School
Languages: English, French, Spanish and Swedish

Lycée Franco-Finlandais d'Helsinki has one of the biggest school libraries in Finland with a full time librarian. As a state language school library, one of our duties is to promote the use of the French language and functional bilingualism. The library is situated at the centre of the school and we encourage the students to use it daily. The librarian is also responsible for book talks and literary events.

Vantaa City Library - Point Library
Languages: English and Russian

Point Library is one of the actors at a multipurpose centre Point. Point is situated in Central Vantaa, in the beautiful Kartanonkoski residential area. The library - opened in 2003 - is a small but active unit of Vantaa City Library. Many young families with children live in the region and the population will continue to grow due to the develoPMent in the neighboring areas. Our library focuses on cooperation with local organizations and schools.

Every year Point library organizes Tottatarua - a popular children's event. This year theme of Tottatarua was multicultural drama and performance, with puppet workshop, live music, book talks and other activities for children aged 7-12. We also have an active art gallery at the library for exhibitions. Point library is open also on Sundays. The number of annual loans amounts to approximately 150,000.

The other two permanent actors at the Point multipurpose centre are the International School of Vantaa and Y.E.S. Day Care Centre. With the Point library these organizations constitute The Point - Pakkala Learning and Information Centre, which is a popular venue for various kinds of happenings and events. In the evenings, the premises are in the use of residents, organizations and associations. The language of instruction at the international school is English, whereas the day-care centre has both Finnish-language and English-language groups. Cooperation between the library, school and day care centre creates a flexible everyday routine.

Vantaa

08.45 AM - 01.30 PM

Vantaa City Library - Lumo Library
Language: English

The Lumo Library, which opened in 2003, is situated in Korso, the northern district of Vantaa. Korso is an active suburb that is close to nature and has almost 30,000 residents. As regards to both loans and visits, the library is the third biggest in Vantaa.

The library is one of the actors in the multi-purpose centre Lumo. The other actors consist of a big upper secondary school focusing on the arts and natural sciences; a Citizen's Office for official transactions; and a big café that is open during school hours. In addition, the building has various sports, hobby, and meeting premises that are actively used on a daily basis.

Cooperation between the actors of the center is regular and flexible. The library participates in arranging different kinds of events with the other actors. In addition, we aim to promote wide ranging utilization of our collections, for instance by focusing on presentations, customer interests and book talks.

Vantaa City Library - Myyrmäki Library
Languages: English and Swedish

The Myyrmäki Library is located in an urban setting next to the railway station. The Myyrmäki House of culture is in the cluster of services where citizens can easily reach it. In addition to the library there is also an art museum and art school, a citizen's office, movie theatre, bar and meeting rooms in the same building. Next to the Myyrmäki House is one of Vantaa's largest shopping centers.

Myyrmäki is a busy library and its staff is open to adopt new customer service concepts. The library specializes in interactive customer service and active cooperation with local schools and societies. There is a special pedagogical librarian to plan the work with schools.

Vantaa Art Museum
Language: English

At the time of IFLA there's an exchange of exhibitions in progress. The IFLA conference visitors are offered a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtains of the museum after their library visit. Approx. 30 min.

Vantaa Art Museum is owned by City of Vantaa, which is the fourth largest city in Finland. The museum is located next to the Myyrmäki Library and the foundation of it's collections lies on the Finnish contemporary art starting from 1960's. There are two or three exhibitions per year and they are free to all visitors.

Last update: 5 August 2012