House of Commons Library - A Resource for Citizens

The House of Commons Library is not just a collection of books. It provides a first class research service to MPs. MPs can seek answers to specific questions - but they also produce a range of non-partisan research briefings on a multitude of subjects.

These papers - ranging from short 'Standard Notes' to lengthy, in depth research papers, are made available to the public on the Parliamentary website - and you can subscribe to email notifications about new publications.

Yesterday, I received a number of emails from the Library announcing publication of a number of papers - across all policy areas. As a lecturer in Constitutional Law, I have recommended many of their papers which explain the workings of our Constitution and Parliament. As a researcher, House of Commons Library Papers have provided useful background information - and the starting point for further research. As someone with specific policy interests - they are invaluable for keeping myself informed about the issues.

Do visit http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/offices/commons/commonslibrary/
All their publications are free - and of a very high standard. The page above is easy to use for searching particular issues - and includes a link to sign up for notifications of new (and updated) publications) - https://subscriptions.parliament.uk/accounts/UKPARLIAMENT/subscriber/new?.

CRS

On Monday I wrote about the excellent material available from the House of Commons Library. The US equivalent is the Congressional Research Service. I am in awe of their output. It would be possible to become a high level expert on the workings of Congress, or many policy matters - just by reading CRS publications.

Like the House of Commons Library and British MPs - CRS exists to provide research material - and supply answers to questions posed by members of Congress. It doesn't directly publish its material to the public - but many of the publications find their way online. Individual members may publish the material on their official websites - and the House & Senate use CRS material on theirs. I find OpenCRS a useful site to visit. Many CRS publications are available there. The FAS (Federation of American Scientists) site is another useful place to look. The Annual Report of CRS gives an insight to the extent of work that they have undertaken. It is available here.

Do note that the material is regularly updated by CRS - so make sure that you use the latest version.

Second Reading

The of Commons Library now has its own blog. It is well worth taking a look. There's always something interesting which will improve your understanding of the information which MPs and other decision makers need (but sadly don't always use) for their work.

The blog is available at http://commonslibraryblog.com/

If you don't yet use the services of the House of Commons Library - then take a look at what they have to offer. High quality material is prepared for MPs - and much of it is available to the public. Of course non-MPs aren't able to make specific inquiries or borrow books from their extensive stock - but as a student, researcher, teacher and citizen, I have found their publications invaluable. You can find them at http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/

Research Papers are more detailed documents - often on a specific subject or on a bill before Parliament; whilst Standard Notes are shorter.

Learning More...

Want to know about the workings of Parliament? The House of Commons Library publishes research papers and standard notes on the parliamentary website. I have found these to be of a consistently high standard - and a superb tool for research - and just learning more.

You can access the service here.

The Congressional Research Service - which also has high standards of independent research - doesn't publish directly to the public. However OpenCRS republishes many of its papers. OpenCRS can be accessed here.

Whether you are a student (particularly of Law or Politics); or interested citizens - there is much available from these sites. In the UK they are covered by parliamentary copyright - however in the US some companies take CRS reports and resell them (except they never bought them in the first place) to businesses and the public. Don't be cheated out of your cash by these people!