House of Lords Library

THE HOUSE OF LORDS LIBRARY
by David L Jones Librarian  

The House of Lords Library provides research, reference and loans services to Members in support of the legislative, deliberative and judicial functions of the House. Factual and impartial answers are provided on a confidential basis to research and reference enquiries from individual Members.

The Library consists of a main suite of rooms close to the Chamber comprising the Truro Room; the Derby Room; the Brougham Room, in which are displayed the daily papers and most of the periodicals; and the Queen’s Room, in which are the Research and Information Desks. Beyond the main suite is the Salisbury Room, a silence room. There is also a branch library in Millbank House.
 
Parliamentary debates, parliamentary papers, legal textbooks and law reports, and items from the Library’s collection of periodicals, reports, pamphlets and deposited papers are always available for reference and will be produced on request. Most other books in the Library’s collection, other than works published before 1850, may be taken out on loan. Books and other material not held in the Library are borrowed from other libraries at the request of Members. Reading lists and bibliographies can be compiled by Library staff from online and printed sources for any subject on request. Transcripts or videos or audio tapes of recent news broadcasts and current affairs documentaries can usually be obtained, subject to the willingness of the originator and, on occasion, on payment of a fee. Library staff have direct access to a number of electronic databases, including databases of newspapers and other press material, which are used to carry out specific searches requested by Members, and to locate information needed to respond to Members’ enquiries.

Lords Library Notes, summarising developments and listing references in respect of topics of particular relevance to the House, are published from time to time and are made available to Members.

The Librarian (tel: 020 7219 3240) is always pleased to discuss with Members any matter relating to the Library and its services.

Members wishing to make enquiries by telephone should contact the following extensions as appropriate:

Book loans 5433
Reference enquiries 5242
Research enquiries 6185

The Librarian may be contacted on 3357 or 3240