The Helsinki City Library’s vision is to be “The Boundless Library – a source of enlightenment and inspiration throughout one’s life.” The Boundless Library also implies being an international library. International activities are continuously increasing. In a global environment, cooperation that crosses borders is strong and creating connections is easy and important.

International operations primarily focus around sharing and exchanging expertise. Internationality as it pertains to the city library means the recognition of international developments in our profession and the readiness and competency to act at the international level. Through international exchanges, these activities help develop and utilize our own know-how. Additionally, internationality means being aware of the needs of ethnic minorities that live in Finland as well as the resources they have to offer: whether direct involvement or cooperation with those organizations that represent them.

Helsinki City Library’s international strategy follows that of the City of Helsinki as a whole. The library’s international operations are very active. Since receiving the Access to Learning Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, the Helsinki City Library has witnessed a considerable increase in the amount of visitors to its library system. The Helsinki City Library is very engaged in international projects as an instructional and expertise organization, e.g. as a Centre of Excellence. In addition, the library organizes international seminars domestically, and participates in the operations of international library associations. Its staff partakes in different international projects and networks, exchange programs, as visiting lecturers, and study tours. The library serves as host to a few hundred international visitors each year.

Link to Conference Pages

Library links

 International Federation of Library Associations
 European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations

Helsinki City Library is a member in these current EU-projects:

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 EuropeanaLocal

Helsinki City Library was a member in these past EU-projects:

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 PuLLS
PULMAN - Public Libraries Mobilising Advanced Networks

Articles:
 Library Service Plans Inspire American Library Director (18.10.2008)