As we never tire of saying on W4MP (because it’s TRUE!): the Commons Library is your best friend. Remember that this list is not just for Westminster-based staff; many of the resources are just as relevant to those of you based in constituency offices.
You need access to the Intranet for all of the web addresses below. They won’t work from the internet. So, if you haven’t set up your parliamentary account yet, this should be another incentive to do as asap.
1. Help with Queries
Need help tracing a report, a person, a piece of legislation, a debate? Not sure where to start? Ask us via telephone or e-mail, or come to the Members’ Library, Derby Gate Library or Members Centre.
020 7219 3666 or Email: hclibrary@parliament.uk
2. Policies, Bills & Statistics Explained
Research papers on all major public bills (before 2nd Reading and after Committee stage). Debate packs for most non-legislative debates. Regular updates on social and economic statistics. Today’s topical briefings are available around the estate or from the intranet.
020 7219 3666 or Email: hclibrary@parliament.uk
Intranet: http://intranet.parliament.uk/people-offices/offices-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/
3. Analysis from Subject Specialists
We have over 60 research specialists covering everything from administration of justice to Zimbabwe. Contact a specialist direct or call 3666.
020 7219 3666 or Email: hclibrary@parliament.uk
Directory of Subject Specialists (on the intranet): http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/general_pdf/wdwir.pdf
4. Finding Documents
Can’t find it on the internet – or not sure what you have been asked to find? Google let you down? We can help!
020 7219 3666 or Email: hclibrary@parliament.uk
or come to the Members’ Library, Derby Gate Library or Members’ Centre.
5. Online Services
Many of the Library’s services are available online, including: Library briefing and papers; newspapers and journal databases; reference sources; statistics; parliamentary documents.
Intranet: http://intranet.parliament.uk/research-online/.
6. Book loans
Borrow and reserve books, pamphlets and recordings of current affairs programmes from the Book & Video Service. If we don’t have the book you want – as long as it is factual, we’ll find it for you! You can also browse the Library catalogue.
020 7219 3666 or Email: hclibrary@parliament.uk
Library catalogue: http://10.69.15.22/uhtbin/webcat/
7. Newspapers and Journals
The latest newspapers and journals are available in the Members’ Library and Derby Gate Library.
Factiva, our online news resource, is available on the intranet:
http://intranet.parliament.uk/research-online/online-resources/news-and-media/factiva/
Many journals can also be consulted online on the intranet:
http://intranet.parliament.uk/research-online/online-resources/books-and-journals/commons-library-journals/.
8. Information Skills
Gain a basic introduction to the procedures and publications of Parliament. Learn about online resources, including media and parliamentary sources. Find out how to search PIMS, the database of Parliamentary material.
020 7219 2973 or Email: librarytraining@parliament.uk
Intranet: http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/training/training.asp.
9. Information for Constituents
Members of the public who want information about the House’s work, membership or history can be directed to the House of Commons Enquiry Service.
020 7219 4272 or Email hcenquiries@parliament.uk
Also see http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/offices/commons/hcio/about-our-service/. This is on the public website.
10. Somewhere to Work
Get away from the phone and other distractions. Use the Members’ Library or Derby Gate Library to work in peace and comfort, with full access to the network and online services, and staff available to answer your queries. Wi-fi is available in the Members’ Centre and Members’ Library.
Note: The Members’ Library is open to Members only.
Library Guides
These guides can be downloaded from the intranet or you can pick up a hard copy from the Members’ Library or Derby Gate Library.
The first four are linked from this page: http://intranet.parliament.uk/people-offices/offices-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/publications/.
1. Online Resources from the Library
http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/people-offices/office-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/Publications/online-resources-from-the-library.pdf
This includes key resources such as Library Research Papers, Standard Notes and Debate Packs; it also includes parliamentary documentation and more specialised subscription resources, such as law databases, Who’s Who, journals, and news and media sources.
2. Services for Members Staff
http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/people-offices/office-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/Publications/services-for-members-staff.pdf.
This leaflet gives an overview of the Library services available to Members’ staff
3. Information Skills Training
http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/people-offices/office-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/Publications/information-skills-training.pdf.
Information on the training that the Library provides in the use of online resources.
4. Using the Library from the Constituency
http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/people-offices/office-departments/commons-departments/commons-information-services/commons-library/Publications/using-the-library-from-the-constituency.pdf.
The House of Commons Library may not be physically near you, but almost all of the services available to Westminster-based staff are also available to constituency staff.
5. Library Loans Service
http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/intranet/records-archives/assets/commons-library-loans.pdf
The Library Loans Service provides loans of books and other published material (journals and official publications), DVDs and CDs of parliamentary and current affairs programmes, and an inter-library loans service for material not held in the Library.
This guide is provided by Working for an MP (w4mp). Most of the material in Guides is subject to Crown copyright protection. Unless otherwise indicated material may be reproduced free of charge in any format or media without specific permission. This is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and not being used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. For more details see our Copyright page