SKS is a publishing house.

SKS is a research and information centre which consists of:

• The Folklore Archives;
• The Literary Archives;
• The Library, which specialises in the research of literature and culture;
• FILI - Finnish Literature Information Centre.

SKS is both an academic and a cultural organisation.

SKS's primary functions are the research and promotion of Finnish oral tradition, the Finnish language and literature.

The Finnish Literature Society was founded in 1831. Its founder Elias Lönnrot invented the Finnish word "kirjallisuus" (literature) to be used in the society's name.