Welcome to the National Archives
The National Archives directs the operations of the National Archives Service. It also guides the archives and records management of the central government administration and acts as a national central agency and research and development centre in its field of expertise.
The National Archives acquires and preserves records of authorities and private individuals, obtains archival materials that are central to Finnish history and promotes their use in research.
The National Archives is headed by a Director General, who also has the honorary title of National Archivist of Finland. The Director General is assisted by two Deputy Director’s General and an Administrative Director.
The National Archives employs a total of around 160 employees in its four facilities in Helsinki.
Areas of Responsibility of the National Archives
The research and development area promotes cooperation with research communities, is responsible for research and development operations and guides the digital document management of public administration.
Tasks include:
- national and international research cooperation
- research projects
- digitising strategy and policy
- heraldry services
- publications
- exhibitions (excluding online exhibitions)
- setting standards
- inspections
- training
- screening
- reception and service system for digital records (VAPA)
- coordination of development operation.
The collections management area receives, acquires and places the material and ensures their availability and preservability.
Tasks include:
- relocation of authority archives
- acquiring private archives
- facility management
- archive sorting, descriptions and other management of data resources
- digitising records
- conservation
- state aid for private archives
- archive sector coordination at the National Digital Library.
The information service area is responsible for the National Archive Service's information services and promotes the image of the Service.
Tasks include:
- researcher room services
- report and duplication services
- inter-library loan services
- online services and exhibitions
- group presentations
- pedagogic activities on archives
- library services
- registrar service.
The operations control area is responsible for planning and monitoring, and provides support services for all other areas.
Tasks include:
- strategic planning
- performance control
- HR and financial administration
- communications
- ICT services
- acquisitions
- legal issues
- the premises of the National Archives
- international tasks
- publicity and data protection issues.