hakuteoksia

Hakuteos (plural hakuteoksia) is a reference work designed for lookup rather than sustained reading. In Finnish libraries and bibliographic practice, hakuteos denotes a publication intended to provide concise facts, definitions, or overviews, often authored by specialists and compiled as a stable edition. Entries are usually arranged alphabetically or by subject, and each entry cites sources or further reading.

Common types of hakuteokset include dictionaries (sanakirjat), encyclopedias (tietosanakirjat), thesauri (synonyymisanakirjat), handbooks (käsikirjat), bibliographies (bibliografiat), atlases, manuals, and guides. They are typically designed to offer authoritative, ready-to-use information and to point readers to more detailed sources.

Characteristics of hakuteokset include concise entries, cross-references, and indexes that facilitate quick retrieval. They are not usually written as continuous narratives; instead, they provide targeted information and guidance. New editions or updates are published to incorporate recent knowledge, terminology changes, or expanded coverage.

Use and cataloging practices place hakuteokset as starting points for research, terminology checks, or factual verification. In catalogs, items may be marked as hakuteos to indicate primary reference use, with classification and metadata aligned to standard library schemes.

Digital hakuteokset are increasingly common, including online dictionaries and encyclopedias. Access may be provided through library subscriptions, institutional licenses, or open-access platforms, expanding availability beyond printed volumes.