In an effort to preserve Finland’s national culture for future generations, the Finnish government has passed a law on the deposit and preservation of cultural materials. The law applies to printed materials and recordings produced in Finland, as well as those produced abroad but intended for distribution within Finnish territories. The law also covers films and their related materials, as well as certain digital content made available in the country.
The law mandates that the National Library of Finland be responsible for preserving and providing access to deposited cultural materials, and that individuals and organisations must comply with the Library’s regulations for depositing such materials. The law also sets out provisions for making materials accessible to researchers and other users.
One of the key provisions of the law requires digital content providers to make their materials available for search and deposit by the National Library, or to provide the materials to the Library if search and deposit are not possible. This provision aims to ensure that valuable historical records are preserved for future generations.
The new law has significant implications for the preservation and accessibility of Finland’s cultural heritage. It ensures that important materials will be systematically preserved and made available to researchers and other users, helping to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Finland’s unique cultural history. By mandating certain duties on content providers, the law also provides a mechanism for extending the life of digital cultural materials beyond the limited lifespan of individual platforms or providers.
