Public Libraries in Finland – where did it all go right?


Imagine a world where:

  • Library issues per capita are increasing
  • Annual state grants support the development of web services and other innovative library services
  • Public libraries have a central role in facilitating the networked knowledge society and linking citizens to information
  • Legislation ensures a level of professionalism in all public library staff
  • Libraries and library policy have top level political support
At Internet Librarian International 2010, Babro Wigell-Ryynanen painted a compelling picture of the success of the public library service in Finland.  The library's role in supporting community and citizenship is a foundation of this success.  The user is placed at the centre of all library thinking and this is what ensures a range of innovative services and new ways of using library spaces and collections.For more information visit the tri-lingual sites www.minedu.fi or www.libraries.fi