"Finland on the web" event at libraries and citizens'service centres on 7-11 November 2005

Computers, the Internet and mobile phones are today important parts of Finnish citizens' lives. To make electronic services a part of everyday life, however, requires continued provision of information on the existence, possibilities and benefits of these services and motivation to use them.

To this end, a national "Finland on the web" campaign will be organised next week, on 7-11 November. Libraries and citizens' ervice centres will advice on the use of electronic services, help in problems and questions related to the services and provide IT and e-services training for free. The event is targeted especially to the working-age population and the elderly.

Libraries and citizens' service centres of over 280 municipalities participate in this event. The locations and further information on the campaign are available on the Internet at: www.suomi.fi

During the autumn, personnel of the libraries and citizens' service centres have been trained to give guidance on electronic services to ensure the success of the campaign week. About 1 500 employees have participated in the training.

The "Finland on the web" campaign aims to increase citizens' knowledge, courage and abilities to use services and contents available on the Internet. The message of the campaign may be summed up as follows:

Information society is part of everyday life. Electronic services, computers, mobile phones and the Internet facilitate citizens' lives and help in maintaining the welfare level and services in Finland.

The campaign is part of the Government Information Society Programme and it will be organised in close cooperation with companies, municipalities, regional councils, various state organisations and NGOs.

The Information Society Programme is led by Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. The programme aims to boost competitiveness and productivity, to promote social and regional equality and to improve citizens' well-being and quality of life through effective utilisation of information and communications technologies in the entire society. Further information on the Government Information Society Programme: http://www.tietoyhteiskuntaohjelma.fi/en_GB/

Further information: