kirjeldusteksti

Kirjeldusteksti is a Finnish term used to denote the descriptive text attached to a work or item to convey essential information about its content and characteristics. In library and information management contexts, kirjeldusteksti serves as part of metadata that helps users understand what a publication is about without consulting the item itself.

Typically, kirjeldusteksti includes a concise synopsis or summary, the main attributes of the item (such as title, author, publication year, language, edition, and physical format), and, when relevant, information about scope, genre, intended audience, and notable features. The wording is neutral and factual, avoiding subjective judgments, spoilers, or promotional language. The aim is to provide an accurate, discoverable description that supports search and discovery.

It differs from an abstract (tiivistelmä) which is usually more analytical or research-focused; it is also distinct from longer reviews or marketing copy. In many systems, kirjeldusteksti resides in a dedicated metadata field (for example in MARC records, the 520 field for summaries, or in equivalent descriptive fields in other standards like Dublin Core). The exact expectations for length and content vary by institution or platform, but neutrality and clarity are consistently prioritized.

In practice, kirjeldusteksti is used in libraries, digital catalogs, and other information systems to improve accessibility and findability of works, providing readers with a reliable overview of what the item covers.