National Library of Finland

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The National Library of Finland (Finnish: Kansalliskirjasto, Swedish: Nationalbibliotek) is the foremost scientific library in Finland. Organizatorily, the library is part of the University of Helsinki. Until 1st August 2006, it was known as the Library of the University of Helsinki.

In addition to being the most important of the libraries of the University of Helsinki, the National Library is responsible for storing the Finnish cultural heritage. By Finnish law, the National Library is entitled to receive five copies of all matter printed in Finland. These copies are then distributed by the Library to its own national collection and to reserve collections of four other university libraries.^[1] In addition, the National Library has the right to store in to its collection any material published on the Internet.^[2]

Any person domiciled in Finland may register as a user of the National Library, and after this, borrow library material for home use. The publications in the national collection, however, are not loaned outside the library.

The National Library is located in library complex in the heart of Helsinki, right by Senaatintori square. The oldest part of the complex, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, dates back to 1844. The newer extension Rotunda dates to 1903. The bulk of the collection is, nonetheless, stored in Kirjaluola, a 57,600-cubic meter underground bunker drilled into solid rock, 18 meters below the library.^[3][4]

[edit] References

1. ^ Vapaakappalelaki (420/1980) Retrieved 10-24-2007
2. ^ Tekijänoikeuslaki 16b §. (404/1961) Retrieved 10-24-2007. (Finnish)
3. ^ Rakennussuma purkautuu. Yliopistolainen 5/99. Retrieved 10-24-2007. (Finnish)
4. ^ Keskustakampuksen kirjastojen kehittämissuunnitelma 1998–2005. University of Helsinki. Retrieved 10-24-2007. (Finnish)

[edit] External links

• Official webpage (English)

Coordinates: 60°10′13″N 24°57′01″E / 60.17028, 24.95028