Libraries.fi provides access to Finnish Library Net Services under one user interface. The portal serves as a starting point especially for users seeking information about libraries, culture and information services. The services are meant to be every-day tools for library workers, but they are also available for anyone co-operating with or interested in library matters. Libraries.fi is published in three languages, each with its own domain and profile:

• www.kirjastot.fi - in Finnish, is the most comprehensive version;
• www.biblioteken.fi - is, as far as possible, equivalent to the Finnish version but particularly geared to meeting the needs of Swedish Finns and Nordic users;
• www.libraries.fi - the English version is a shorter one and serves mainly as an introduction to the Finnish Library Services and to finding information about Finland.

The contents of Libraries.fi are divided into channels:

• The Libraries channel is a gateway to all library services: public, other and foreign libraries, catalogues and databases. On the Libraries channel you can also search for Finnish public libraries and their staff by name or region.
• The Search Services channel aims to offer one route to various information sources, guiding the user both to information on the Web and to catalogues and databases within libraries. You can search for yourself or ask a librarian over the Internet.
• The Library branch channel includes professional information and service. The contents consist mainly of links. Library branch channel includes for example information and news of the Finnish library system and links to subject gateways created by Finnish Libraries.
• The Literature channel offers information about mainly Finnish books, authors and publishers. The Literature channel is maintained in co-operation with the Finnish Library Journal.
• The Music channel contains interviews, catalogues, links to Finnish www-pages of music libraries and other music links on the Net. Music channel is produced by the Finnish Music Library Association.
• On the Children's channel there are pages that libraries have produced for children or about their literature, book lists or various topics, tips and instructions for teachers and others working with children. The english version of the channel provides links to English children's pages and information services in Finland.

Producers and maintenance

Libraries.fi is produced by Helsinki City Library (the Central Library for Public Libraries in Finland) and is financed by the Ministry of Education. Libraries.fi editors are in charge of editing and developing the site and the services.

Libraries participate in the maintenance of the services:
- by maintaining a database that includes basic information of public libraries
- by participating in the Ask-A-Librarian reference service
- by cataloguing new links in the Link Library (only in Finnish and Swedish)
- by sending information of training and education, jobs and public library events in to the Bulletin Board.
- by participating in the discussion forums.

The first Front Page of the Public Libraries was published in 1995.