The Sign Language eLibrary of Finland: how, why and who?

Abstract

The core task of Finnish libraries is to offer all citizens equal access to information and culture. When it comes to deaf sign language users, this means there should be material in sign language made available for them. To ensure the production and availability of sign language material, the Sign Language eLibrary was founded in 2014. The Sign Language eLibrary is a true digital library, as it operates solely online. The library’s collection consists of videos in sign language. The majority of the material is produced by the library itself and is made by deaf signers. The library’s defining objective is to produce and publish sign language culture and literature. Translated works are also featured. The library’s collection currently holds over 800 titles. The material is freely accessible for all. The library’s funding comes from the Ministry of Education and Culture and is thus one of the libraries funded by the Finnish government. The Sign Language eLibrary is operated under the Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD). The web address for the library is www.viittomakielinenkirjasto.fi.