THE HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY
by John Pullinger, Librarian
The House of Commons Library aims to make a unique contribution to a well-informed democracy. This means three things:
• The House is well informed about the business that comes before it
• Individual members of parliament are well informed to carry out their parliamentary duties at Westminster and in their constituencies
• The public is well informed about the importance of Parliament in our national life.
The library dates from 1818, when the first librarian was appointed to take care of the large number of books and papers related to the parliamentary business which had already accumulated. Today, it delivers a wide range of information, research and related services on paper, over the ’phone, online and in person to members of parliament and the public.
The library prepares a range of pre-prepared briefing material and online services to inform both parliamentary debate and those involved in it. These include detailed research papers on legislation and other topical issues, shorter standard notes on a wide range of current issues and debate packs on current debates in the Chamber or Westminster Hall. It also provides responses to requests from individual members and their staff for information and briefing in connection with their parliamentary duties and maintains an extensive hardcopy book stock and electronic information service. Its services emphasise speed, accuracy, political impartiality and, where appropriate, confidentiality.
The library takes a leading role in the development and implementation of the House’s public information strategy. The House of Commons Information Office is part of the library. In addition to answering telephone and email enquiries about the House of Commons and its proceedings from the general public, government departments and outside organisations, 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.
The library takes a leading role in parliament-wide information management activities, notably the indexing of parliamentary material to facilitate access and reuse by others.
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 3666.
GENERAL
Librarian John Pullinger: 3635
Librarian’s Assistant: 4315
Service Delivery and Development Director: 6133
Research Service Director: 3622
Information Services Director: 5714
Departmental Services Director: 6179
Members’ Enquiries: 3666
Public Enquiries: 4272
Parliamentary Education Unit: 2105
