Development Plan of Tallinn University Academic Library 2023–2027

The strategic goals of TLU include:

1. high-level research and creative work for Estonia,
2. life-changing learning experience and education matching future needs,
3. a smart and valued organisation.

High-level research and creative work for Estonia

TLU AL supports the research and development carried out by the research groups through making available the most recent and relevant research literature. In the acquisition of research literature, it is important to ensure the consistency and integrity of the collections, and the high-level acquisition and preservation of the scientific knowledge (including the information entities of the archival collection) necessary for the research and development directions of the university, with priority being given to the e-information resources.

In addition, the library has the capacity to digitise and making digitally available the materials necessary for research and publications of the research results. The important goal of consolidating the nation is to bring all the instructing and elevating literature in Estonian and about Estonia into digital form and make it easily available in the rapidly developing information society. The goal is the active development of the E-Research Library ETERA and the digitisation centre. Here, the keywords are mass digitisation, location-based digitisation, long-term preservation, semantic search and an efficient user-friendly E-Research Library environment. To reach the goals of the digitisation centre, the library applies for additional external funding.

TLU AL has the leading role in the development of the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object “Estonian e-Repository and Preservation of Collections” by being responsible for the developments of the national E-repository portal as a member of the Estonian Libraries Network Consortium (ELNET).

Members of research groups are offered possibilities to increase their information literacy competences (referencing, trainings on plagiarism and information searches). The development of research data management training programme and data mining skills are planned.

The aim of the library is to disseminate the research works (TLU doctoral theses) carried out in the university both in Estonia and internationally (exchange activities and repository).

The library offers its premises (incl. the gallery and study centre) for exhibiting artistic creation.

As a member of the terminology panel of the Estonian Librarians Association, TLU AL contributes systemically to the creation of specialised terminology in Estonian.

Life-changing learning experience and education matching future needs

The area of responsibility of the library comprises the availability of the most recent study and research literature to the TLU students, incl. library service in the modern study centre of the campus. In order to offer the best solutions (the library information system, scientific databases), co-operation is carried out with the libraries of other universities and the ELNET.

In co-operation with the university’s academic units, the library trains the students of all levels of the university, the lecturers and research employees as regards the search for and the management of information, and the use and management of open research data. Considering the student and scientific community of Tallinn University, it is necessary to develop web-based information competence courses implementing modern e-learning strategies and technologies, including English-language training programmes.

As a research library providing public service, the purpose of the TLU AL is to shape the perceptions and habits of the Estonian information society in the use of scientific, cultural and digital matter, to promote competence in the field of digitisation, to provide a modern library service for Estonian investigators/researchers and the wider public, as well as a modern spatial environment.

In addition to its role as a study and research library, TLU AL as a research library providing public service, located in the city centre of Tallinn, sets a goal to develop and promote cooperation with researchers outside TLU, and with the city and state upper secondary schools by supporting students in writing their research papers. An important aim is to develop information search and training programmes specifically in the light of the needs of student research.

In order to develop experiences and co-operation, TLU AL participates in the Erasmus+ programme.

The library offers traineeship possibilities to TLU students.

A smart and valued organisation

A smart and valued organisation is built on competent, smart and adaptable people. The most important goal of the TLU AL is the development of the employees of the university, incl. the library, and promoting their further studies in constant information exchange and co-operation with the other units of the university.

A modern spatial environment helps to shape a valued organisation. The long-term perspective of developing the library is the creation of an innovative and diverse physical environment that, on the hand, is based on the users’ needs and on the other hand boosts employees’ and students’ motivation, and inspires the university members and important stakeholders in the society to think and act innovatively.

The zoning plan of the quarter between Estonia pst., Kaubamaja tn., Rävala pst. and Teatri square, which was initiated in 2011, will quite likely be established in the beginning of the development plan period (2023). This will create an opportunity for the university to create an optimal development and use plan, and modernise the library, in co-operation with partners. The aim of the current development plan period is to contribute to the development of the future vision of the city centre property and the library, on the one hand, and to reorganise the activities of the library in a way that enables to launch and implement the real estate development project, on the other hand.