keruukäytännöt

Keruukäytännöt is a Finnish term that refers to the procedures, guidelines, and standards that govern how items, samples, or data are collected within a particular activity or organization. They define the purpose, scope, methods, and criteria for selection, ensuring that collection is performed consistently, ethically, and in line with applicable laws and policies.

The concept is used across several domains: in research and science for data and sample collection; in waste management and recycling for material collection; in cultural heritage and museums for acquiring artifacts; and in libraries or archives for acquisitions and data curation. In field ecology, keruukäytännöt cover sampling design, handling protocols, labeling, and chain of custody. They aim to ensure accuracy, traceability, and minimal disruption to environments or communities involved.

Common components include objectives and scope, sampling or collection methods, selection criteria, documentation and metadata, consent, privacy and data protection, quality control, storage and disposal, safety considerations, and roles and responsibilities. Implementation emphasizes transparency, reproducibility, and accountability, as well as ongoing review and updates to reflect new regulations or technologies.

In Finland, keruukäytännöt are often aligned with broader regulatory and standards frameworks, including data protection obligations under GDPR when data collection involves individuals, and environmental or waste-related regulations for material collection. Organizations may publish internal policies or adopt external standards to ensure consistency and compliance. Related terms include keräys (collection) and aineistonhallinta (data management), which describe connected aspects of collecting and preserving materials or information.