University library services for researchers

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By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

Helsinki University Library provides doctoral researchers with the tools and work facilities they need for efficient research work on all four University of Helsinki campuses.

If you are looking for resources required for your doctoral studies, such as books, scholarly papers and databases, you should start at Helsinki University Library.

Helsinki University Library also provides researchers with services and guidance related to data management, open access publishing, self-archiving, the visibility of research and many other topics.

Library sites

Helsinki University Library operates in all four campuses: 

In addition, the City Centre Campus has a learning centre:

Check the locations of the libraries and learning centres on the map.  

The libraries and learning centres are mostly accessible. Check the library’s opening hours at the Helsinki University Library website.

Acquaint yourself also with the National Library, which is Finland's oldest and most comprehensive scientific library and also a part of the University of Helsinki.

Helka library card

You can borrow books with a Helka library card at the Helsinki University Library’s service points. 

In order to get the card, activate your customer information in Helka database by signing in with your Helsinki University user credentials. Your Helka library card will be ready for pick-up after activation. You can pick up your card from any Helsinki University Library location during customer service hours. Please remember to bring an official ID card.  

Students at the University of Helsinki can acquire a virtual Helka library card via the Studies Service. The mobile library card will be ready to use straight away. Remember to log in to the service first. If you acquire a mobile Helka card via the Studies Service, you do not need a plastic Helka card.

You can request books, renew loans and, when necessary, pay overdue fines in the Helka database. In order to use the library's self-service lending machines, you need a PIN code which you have to set in your customer account in the Helka database. 

Do not update your contact information in Helka, as the contact information is automatically updated from the background systems of the University of Helsinki. So, please notify university services of any changes in your contact information. 

The Helka library card also works in special Helka libraries, external to the university. 

To borrow from the collections of the National Library of Finland you need a National Library card. For further information, please see the National Library website.

Library for researchers

Helsinki University Library provides University of Helsinki researchers and research groups with not only a wide variety of materials, but also support and advice on open publishing, research data management, the enhancement of research visibility, and publication metrics. The Library for researchers website contains comprehensive information on the researcher services offered by Helsinki University Library.

Read electronic materials with remote access

The Helsinki University Library has acquired rights to a wide collection of electronic books, journals and databases. More detailed instructions on the use of eBooks can be found in the eBooks Guide. Electronic journals and books are available for use in the University of Helsinki’s online network. The students and researchers of the University of Helsinki also have an option to use the electronic materials with remote access. To use remote access you need a permit to use the University of Helsinki network.

Seek information

You can get started on information retrieval with the help of Helka database

  • Searching the library collections allows you to search electronic and printed books, journals and databases acquired for the Helka libraries.
  • In addition, using the article search you can find international articles. 

Not all the material that the University library has acquired for researchers and students shows in the Helka database. You can search for your own discipline’s central databases from ResearchGuides that collects library’s information sources and services from the viewpoint of each research field.

Work at the library

The Helsinki University Library sites have various different working spaces: group facilities, computer rooms, and reading areas for independent working in silence.   

All the campus libraries have group facilities. Group facilities can be reserved with the university user account in the Outlook calendar for every specific space. Most of the computers can be found in Learning Centre Aleksandria, where it is possible to study late in the evening when the libraries are closed.  

You can print and copy in every library site. The multifunction printers work with a personal ID card and they can be used for copying, printing, and scanning.  You can download balance for the ID card from the Unigrafia online printing shop
 
Please be considerate towards other customers and follow the library rules.

Mobile storage units for storing material for thesis work and research 

Helsinki University students and researchers can borrow a mobile storage unit for storing material needed in their research or thesis work. The storage trolleys make it easy to store and move working materials around the library facilities. The storage units can be found in all library locations as well as in Learning Centre Aleksandria. Read more about the mobile storage units on the library's website.

Training for researchers

Helsinki University Library supports research and teaching by providing various tools and organising workshops and courses for researchers, teachers and other staff. Training topics include reference management, information seeking and information management. For further information about training, please see the library website

Contact the library

The customer service staff at every Helsinki University Library site are happy to help with any arising questions concerning the use of the library.  

The service phone numbers work in all the library sites during the customer service opening hours.  

If you have any questions or you would like to give feedback on the library services you can also contact us with the chat window found on the web site or with a feedback form.

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