malmikirjastojen

Malmikirjastojen, meaning "storage libraries" or "archive libraries" in Finnish, refers to a concept and practice within Finnish libraries, particularly public libraries. These are not typically dedicated, separate institutions but rather a function or a specific collection within a larger library or library network. The primary purpose of malmikirjastojen is to house and preserve materials that are not frequently borrowed or accessed by the general public but are deemed important for long-term preservation.

These collections can include a variety of items such as older, less popular literature, academic theses, local history materials, newspapers, and other documents that might otherwise be discarded due to space constraints. The idea is to ensure that valuable but low-demand resources remain available for research, historical purposes, or for a niche audience. Malmikirjastojen operate on the principle of shared resources, often within a regional or national library network. This allows for the efficient use of storage space and ensures that a wider range of materials can be preserved without overwhelming individual branches. Materials in malmikirjastojen may require advance notice for retrieval and might have different lending policies compared to the main circulating collection. The development and maintenance of malmikirjastojen are part of a broader strategy for resource management and cultural heritage preservation within the Finnish library system.