Säilyvyyslait

Säilyvyyslait, meaning "preservation laws" in Finnish, refers to a set of Finnish legislation and regulations aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of public documents and cultural heritage. These laws govern the management, storage, and eventual transfer of various types of records, including government archives, historical documents, and cultural artifacts. The primary objective is to safeguard information that holds historical, administrative, or cultural significance for future generations.

The framework for säilyvyyslait is largely established by the Archives Act (Arkistolaki) and related decrees. These legal instruments define the responsibilities of different public institutions in managing their records. They stipulate guidelines for record creation, classification, retention periods, and the eventual transfer of permanent records to national archives, such as the National Archives of Finland (Kansallisarkisto). The laws also address the digitalization of records and the preservation of electronic information, acknowledging the evolving nature of information management.

Key aspects of säilyvyyslait include the establishment of retention schedules, which dictate how long different types of documents must be kept before they can be disposed of or transferred. Documents deemed to have lasting value are marked for permanent preservation. The legislation also emphasizes the public's right to access information, while balancing this with considerations for privacy and national security. The enforcement of these laws ensures that Finland's documentary heritage is systematically preserved and made available for research, administrative purposes, and public understanding.