Allianssi, the national organization representing and serving those in the field of youth work in Finland, has a diversified information service open to all - the Youth Research Library. This is a politically and religiously unaffiliated, specialized national library. The library is multi-disciplinary and open to all. The Youth Information Library attempts to keep up with research, policy decisions and literature concerning young people, and to gather for its collection the most relevant research findings concerning young people in Finland. The Youth Research Library actively acquires new literature, follows approximately 250 periodicals and keeps a record of articles concerning young people in its database. The youth information database currently has over 17 000 entries.
The Youth Research Library also participates in joint network projects in the youth field and among non-governmental organizations and thus attempts to promote networking in its own field. .

The Youth Research Library is also a strong service library. Information seekers receive individual service in everything from basic guidance to full search reports. Its client base covers all of Finland and material is sent by mail to those outside of the capital district. The Youth Research Library also trains both students and active workers in the youth field in the use of network sources of youth information. Visitors' groups are welcome; a brochure for the library is always attached to the basic information sent out in response to a search of the Allianssi web-page.

In addition to offering services based on its physical collection of materials, the Youth Research Library also maintains a virtual library of the youth field, the Youth Info House. This service brings together and analyzes networked information concerning youth into one portal. The Youth Info House service has four basic sections: Youth Research Library services, a Youth Work subject unit, a Youth Research page and the Allison page of links for young people themselves.

Library database 

For more information contact us at kirjasto(at)alli.fi.

We will be happy to answer your questions!