Tietokeskuksen

Tietokeskuksen is the genitive form of the Finnish noun Tietokeskus, which literally means "information centre" (tieto = knowledge/information, keskus = centre). As a common noun and an institutional name, Tietokeskus denotes places or services that collect, curate and disseminate information to the public, organizations or specific user groups.

Functions attributed to a Tietokeskus typically include reference and enquiry services, archival and documentation work, data management, public outreach and education, and support for research and decision making. Tietokeskukset can be physical facilities—such as municipal information centres, specialised libraries or corporate knowledge centres—or virtual platforms providing digital resources, databases and online help services.

In Finland, the concept overlaps with libraries (kirjasto), archives (arkisto) and information services (tietopalvelu), and it figures in both public administration and private-sector knowledge management. The role of Tietokeskukset has evolved with technology: from paper-based catalogues and reading rooms to integrated digital repositories, interoperable metadata systems and web-based customer interfaces. They are often involved in e-government initiatives, open data publication and community information campaigns.

As a proper name, Tietokeskus has been used by various organisations and projects; its exact scope depends on context, ranging from local citizen services to national-level information infrastructures. Related terms include kirjasto, arkisto and tietokeskuspalvelu (information centre service).