Collections

Information Services maintains collections of national and international materials relevant to THL's areas of expertise. The contents of the collections reflect the needs of THL research and development projects and the wishes of THL staff. The key topic areas include the welfare state, regional co-operation, service delivery structure and service quality in social and health care, social and health economics, social and health statistics, evaluation of social services, health technology assessment, mental health work, and alcohol and drugs.

The collections include some 35 000 publications, nearly 300 printed journals and more than 7000 electronic journals.

Books and publication series

The library materials can be searched by means of the THLlib catalogue, which mainly contains information about printed materials but also about audiovisual materials and the electronic versions of printed publications.

The publications have been provided with Finnish keywords.

All publications published by THL (former STAKES) can be borrowed free of charge. Other materials located in the library can be used free of charge on the library premises. With the exception of the latest years' publications, these materials can also be borrowed.

Electronic and printed journals

Information Services mostly subscribes to electronic journals. We currently have subscriptions to nearly 7000 electronic journals in social and health sciences. The journals are subscribed to individually or as part of publishers' packages.

Journal Portal provides access to all online journals acquired by Information Services. The journals are accessible within the THL network with the ip code. All customers can use them free of charge on the library premises. Journal Portal also provides information on the printed journals stored within the library.

The library currently subscribes to nearly 300 printed journals. The journals are subscribed to for a fee or acquired through exchange schemes and donations.

Databases and portals

Information Services makes available the most important electronic services in THL's areas of expertise, including journals, statistical databases, full-text and reference databases and other important electronic materials.

Information Services maintains and develops Hyvinvointimallit-portal (in Finnish) which contains a selection of freely accessible evaluated web resources on the subject of European Welfare policy models.

Information Services maintains Finland's part of Elisad Gateway -portal, which is an European Information Service on alcohol, drugs and addictions with evaluated web resources.

The electronic versions of the printed journals can be found by means of the THLlib catalogue.

The electronic materials acquired through licensing agreements can be used by the public on a self-service basis on the library premises only.