Erikoiskirjastoilla

Erikoiskirjastoilla, a Finnish term, translates to "special libraries." These libraries are distinct from general public libraries in their focus and collection. They serve a specific clientele or a particular subject area, providing specialized resources and services to meet the unique information needs of their users.

The scope of special libraries is diverse. They can be found within universities, research institutions, government agencies, corporations, museums, hospitals, and professional organizations. For example, a law firm might have a special library with an extensive collection of legal texts and databases, serving its lawyers and paralegals. Similarly, a medical research institute would maintain a special library filled with medical journals, research papers, and clinical trial data.

The primary function of an erikoiskirjasto is to curate, organize, and provide access to information that is highly relevant to its parent organization or user group. This often involves acquiring specialized books, journals, reports, digital resources, and other materials that may not be readily available in public libraries. Beyond collection management, special librarians offer expert reference services, conduct literature searches, and assist users in navigating complex information landscapes. Their goal is to efficiently deliver the most pertinent information to support research, decision-making, and operational activities within their specialized domain.