Library Buildings around the World

Education’s KOTA database. On this basis the University of Vaasa contributes two thirds of the library’s budget, which is set
annually in joint negotiations between the universities’ and the library’s managements.
For the time being, the Learning Centre operates as an independent separate project run by a management group under the local
rectors of the three universities. It is financed largely by the Ministry of Education with funds assigned to the Finnish universities for
developing the virtual university.
The library regulations specifically mention bilingualism. Official documents are drawn up in both Finnish and Swedish, other
documents in the mother tongue of whoever prepares them. In daily work, the staff is naturally bilingual, as has always been the case
in bilingual regions. In customer service Finnish and Swedish are used in almost equal proportions. Obviously, users of the minority
language are more active in making use of staff services. As all three universities emphasize internationalism as a value in itself and a
strategic choice,customers are in fact being served in at least three languages.
New library services,and operating the Learning Centre, demand generous computer and AV equipment, as well as versatile
facilities for study and research. There are 420 work desks in the building; in reading rooms, computer classes, rooms for group
work, multimedia rooms and on the four floors of the library, where collections and work desks alternate. The building also houses a
separate researchers’ tower. For library customers there are 39 carrels in the tower, in rooms for one or two persons. These are
allocated on application to postgraduates working on doctoral theses or to students working on master’s theses.
Finally
Tritonia’s modern and beautiful facilities have had great effect both on customer service implementation and on staff well-being.
Merging three independent libraries,moving collections from five different addresses to one common building and introducing new
forms of service, while at the same time changing the computer system, have all been carried out successfully. We can go on
developing the library in good heart.
Translated by Britt and Philip Gaut (http://www.slq.nu)
Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy, Helsinki –Finland
http://www.arkperko.fi
Libraries:
Jyväskylä City Library (Palokka Library) – Regional Library of Central Finland – Finland 2012
The floor area: 1511m², Designed by Tomi Perko, Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy, Helsinki, Interior designer: Olli Pursiainen,
Arkkitehtitoimisto Meskanen ja Pursiainen, Helsinki, The total expenditure of the construction € 4.600.000.
The library shares a location with a comprehensive school and an adult education center. The immediate proximity of the school and
Palokka Youth Center sounds in the functions of the library.
The library is functionally modern establishment that makes it possible to offer traditional library services as well as provide
opportunities to create and participate. Among other things, there is a stage for performances, a games area, a computer studio to be
used in cooperation with the school and the adult education center, and a newspaper and periodicals room that can be used also
outside the opening hours. Part of shelves are movable to make the library space adaptable to various functions.
Tommila Architects, Helsinki – Finland
http://www.arktom.fi
Libraries:
Aralis Library Centre, Helsinki – Finland 2002
Client: Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company, 2200 m²
Aralis Library and Information Centre is built inside the old Arabia factory complex. The library centre brings together Helsinki
City Library’s Arabianranta Library and three art libraries: University of Art and Design Library, Helsinki Metropolia University
of Applied Sciences Resource Library for Arts and Culture, and Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory Library.
A big glass roofed internal courtyard houses the library and a restaurant, which is open for public. The combination forms a meeting
place for everybody visiting or working in Arabia Gallery. The architectural design did not include interior design. (Tommila)
ISO Omena Shopping Centre, Library + Cinema, Helsinki – Finland 2001
Client: Ilmarissen Tiikkiin Teistöt Oy, Library: 2400 m²
Owner: City of Helsinki, Helsinki University
Iso Omena Shopping Centre also houses public and private services. The service level is located above the market level and contains
among other a Library and a Cinema next to each other.
Espoo City Library’s branch library is accessible from the shopping centre. It has a view to the glass roofed gallery and a sunny roof
terrace. A small Japanese garden inside the library provides a peaceful environment for concentration.
The Cinema has three auditoriums, and altogether more than 400 seats. Outside the business hours it is also directly accessible from
outside the shopping centre. (Tommila)
Arkkitehtuuritoimisto Teuvo Vastamäki Oy
http://www.vastamaki.fi
Libraries:
Ylöjärvi Main Library "Kite", Ylöjärvi – Finland 2002
The floor area 2696m² , Architect Tero Harjunniemi (Arkkitehtuuritoimisto Teuvo Vastamäki Oy), The total expenditure of the
construction € 5.000.000
The Ylöjärvi main library “Kite” was opened to the public in November 2002. The library consists of two large triangles, and the
avenue between them divides the space into public and staff areas.
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