House of Commons Library

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY
by Priscilla Baines Librarian

The House of Commons Library dates from 1818 when the first Librarian was appointed to take care of the large number of books and papers related to parliamentary business which had already accumulated. Today, it is the main information and research department for the House, and for individual Members of Parliament. Its principal task is to provide Members with oral, written and online information services and with those books and documents which they require in the course of their official duties. Its services emphasise speed, accuracy, political impartiality and, where appropriate, confidentiality.

The Library includes two sets of reading rooms, the Members’ Library and the Derby Gate Library, as well as the 'e-Library' in Portcullis House. The Members’ Library occupies a suite of rooms close to the House of Commons Chamber. It provides a comprehensive reference and information service for Members providing the books, pamphlets, official documents and other materials needed by Members in the course of their official duties. The collections are catalogued and indexed for immediate use. There is also a book-borrowing service and an information service on foreign, international and EU affairs. The Library in Derby Gate and the e-Library are open to Members’ staff as well as to Members.

The House of Commons Information Office is part of the Library. In addition to answering telephone and e-mail enquiries from the general public, government departments and outside organisations about the House of Commons and its proceedings, the Office compiles the Weekly Information Bulletin and Sessional Information Digest. These are available on the Internet, together with other information about the House and its work and membership. The Library is also responsible for the Parliamentary Education Unit, which provides a range of services for schools and teachers as well as supporting members of both Houses in their work with young people.

Computer-based and technical services also support the work of the Library and the information requirements of the House. The Department’s POLIS Unit manages the Parliamentary On-Line Information System and is responsible for the creation of the majority of the POLIS database files.

The staff of the seven sections providing the Research Services undertake, on request, politically objective research for individual Members and for Select Committees. Research Staff, most of whom are specialists in their particular field, also compile research papers on topics of current importance for the general use of Members. The Librarian is always glad to discuss with Members any matters which they may wish to raise, including suggestions for improvements in the Library’s services.

Telephone Extensions
Note: All enquiries, other than those from or on behalf of Members and their staff, should be put to 020 7219 4272. Enquiries from Members’ staff should be put to 020 7219 6767.