volikirja

Volikirja is a Finnish term that combines volyymi (volume) and kirja (book). In Finland, the expression is used in some library, archival, and publishing contexts to denote a logbook or registry that records information about the volumes in a multi-volume work or series. There is no single standardized definition, and the exact purpose and format can vary by institution.

In library and archival practice, a volikirja typically functions as a working register listing each volume’s number, title, author, edition, year of publication, and physical location or shelfmark. It may also track status (for example, available, checked out, missing), binding notes, and condition. In some cases, volikirja is kept as a physical ledger, while in others it is a digital record that complements formal cataloging systems.

The volikirja often serves as a companion to a formal catalog, especially for series-level management, completeness checks, or circulation operations. It emphasizes the practical handling of a set as a unit rather than describing each item in full bibliographic detail. As such, it is distinct from individual bibliographic records, which focus on metadata for single works, whereas the volikirja concentrates on the togetherness and physical management of a multi-volume collection.

History and usage of volikirja are concentrated in older or smaller libraries and publishing environments, where a dedicated volume registry remained useful. In contemporary large-scale library systems, volikirja concepts are frequently subsumed by integrated catalogs and series-level records. See also library catalog, series catalog, serials control, finding aid.