National Library of Finland (NLF) has recognized for some time the increasing need to enhance the distribution of digitized collections as data for researchers. Since 2023, NLF has focused on developing the accessibility, usability, and visibility of the NLF’s data for researchers by making the library’s vast collections and their metadata systematically manageable, easily discoverable, and clearly referenceable.

The internal development project at the NLF aimed to address these issues by creating service solutions that would support researchers to utilize digital collections. The solution included producing individual metadata records for digitized materials in library databases and streamlined path to information, where content is easily accessible, usable, and referenceable.

A key achievement of the project was the development of a new metadata workflow that centralized data generated from digitization projects into unified collection-level metadata records. These records are acting as an entry point, allowing researchers to access detailed descriptions of specific digitized collections and their contents. Furthermore, curating all digitized content into thematically organized collections has provided a layer of contextual information to resources that have previously been accessible only as individual digitized items. This approach provided a clear, consistent structure for managing metadata and ensured that individual digitized items were linked to their corresponding collection-level metadata records. By adhering to cataloging standards, the project established accurate and comprehensive description practices that facilitated better resource discovery and metadata reuse across platforms such as library databases, digital repositories and third-party services.

Collection-level metadata records act also as a gateway for researchers to download their desired datasets directly from the National Library’s digital repository, eliminating the need for a separate service platform. This integration allows all datasets to be managed and accessed directly through the library’s catalog, streamlining the process for researchers. By consolidating data access within the catalog, the project has simplified workflows and ensured that the library’s resources are more readily available for research purposes.

The creation of collection-level metadata contributed significantly to unifying NLF’s services and making them more user-friendly. By establishing long-term plans for data catalog management and service development, the project positioned the National Library as a leader in providing comprehensive cultural data resources for researchers.

The project was successful in making the library’s digitized collections more accessible, facilitating new opportunities for researchers to explore and utilize cultural heritage data. The project transformed the library’s collections into actively accessible and analyzable resources for research, with a particular focus on developing collection-level metadata records to improve discovery and usability significantly.