My National Library: Emeritus Professor Matti Klinge, DPhil
- In your opinion is the National Library of Finland a genuinely European library?
For me the National Library is above all a European library. Too many people focus on the National Collection (Fennica). This was reflected in the change of the Library's name to the "National Library of Finland" a few years ago. It carries a strong national significance. It could even be claimed that the National Library is a European-Russian library. Its Slavonic Collection is exceptionally rich thanks to the vast amount of literature received as donations from Russia since the 1830s. The architecture of the building also has echoes of St Petersburg.
The potential contribution of the National Library to non-Finnish scholars depends on the individual and his or her needs. The National Library can offer much more than, say, French or Italian libraries to a scholar of Estonian culture. The tradition of science studies in Finland harks back to Germany, and the European collections of the National Library also provide a cultural link with France and Italy.
- You have had a long career as a historian, an academic and a social observer and commentator. How important has the National Library been to you during your career?
Highly important. Many historians have emphasised the importance of the National Archives, but for me the National Library has been second to none. I became familiar with the National Library as an upper-secondary student and had free access to its collections when writing my Master's thesis and later in my scholarly work. I still come here almost daily.
- Is any one of the National Library collections particularly dear to you?
It is difficult to say, as my interests are constantly changing, but the digital newspaper library has been incredibly useful to me, though perhaps not most dear! However, I do not wish for all the material to become available through the Internet, as I enjoy visiting this beautiful building.
- What has been your most fascinating discovery in the National Library?
Unexpected things can be found between bound pamphlets. I remember reading an 18th century leaflet on healthcare and finding within it another leaflet in which the government gave advice on how to correctly kill wolves.
I also appreciate books as objects and admire beautiful and typographically interesting covers. A book is much more than its content; it also sends a message as an object.
- Has the National Library changed much throughout the years?
When I first began visiting the National Library it looked the same as in the 19th century. There was no café, and the Cupola Hall was not open to the public.
Change has been constant, but the cultural mission of the National Library remains the same. Although current thinking emphasises high productivity and speedy returns – how many people visit the library daily or how many books are borrowed – these cannot be the sole objectives. Cultural institutions have intrinsic value, a museum-like function. Museums are the mark of a civilised society.
- In what direction do you wish the National Library to develop in the future?
It should focus on managing its collections and ensuring that it has sufficient staff with appropriate language skills and training. Competencies and traditions should be transferred to the younger generation.
- Will libraries disappear? Collections are being digitised at a fast pace and Google offers all sorts of information.
Libraries will absolutely have a place in the world 10, 20, 50 years from now. The more ostensibly efficient the world becomes, the more important libraries will be. They are like muses who inspire and nurture us.
One must read a wide range of books to gain an understanding of the world´s complex chain of historical achievements and events. In the natural sciences, a new invention or theory replaces old ideas, but humanities research builds upon previous achievements to form a continuum. Arguably, a book never becomes obsolete, as changing perspectives may later lend it historical significance.
In addition, digitising does not mean that language skills become unnecessary. Humanities scholars must know Latin and German as well as a host of other languages. Reading requires understanding written language. For example, you can now find 17th and 18th century dissertations online, but they are still in Latin! Has their digitisation increased their use and demand? Do major commercial interests play a role?
- Your book A European University recounts the history of the University of Helsinki from 1640 to today. What do you hope an English-language reader would gain from your book?
I have tried to show what the role of universities has been in reforming the nation, at least here in Finland. The University of Helsinki is located in the heart of the Finnish capital close to our political and economic leaders. This has enabled the University to function as a nest of active social involvement. Although this is a Finnish issue, commentators elsewhere in Europe have noted with interest that the history of a university can also be approached in this way.
- You have spoken extensively about the value of internationalisation and a knowledge of other cultures. Do you think that Finland will take a step backwards as a result of the recent parliamentary elections and lose support for its international openness?
I doubt it. But I think that there is scope for more progress, and here I trust the Finnish school system. Learning languages is crucial. Poor language skills lead to an unbalanced, unilateral view of the world. I also hope that children and adolescents will grow to appreciate our material cultural property. After all, classical music is not immediately accessible to everyone, but music education has a high status in our society. As well, old literature is continually cited in other European countries: Shakespeare in England and Goethe in Germany. Journalists use quotations in their stories without having to explain that a quote comes from King Lear, for instance. We should seek to gain access to many major cultures rather than relying on just one, in our case Anglo-Saxon culture which differs considerably from French and German culture. The National Library should also emphasise more strongly the multilingual richness and diversity of its collections.
Interviewer: Suvi Kingsley
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HIGHLIGHTS
Emeritus Professor Matti Klinge, DPhil
Photo by Kari Timonen
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