Thread by @Kastrel

And we're off! Penny Young from the House of Commons #CILIPConf18

Core role of the library is to provide MPs with the info they need to do their job - 30k "enquiries" a year. These are confidential. But also produce publicly published briefings.

~180 staff, loads of subject specialists. Essential to be impartial and be seen to be impartial.

Part of a bigger parliamentary information ecosystem. Specialist researchers, think-tanks, House of Lords library, parliamentary archives.

The job of an MP is very different for different people - have to balance lots of different responsibilities. Constituency work, campaigning for particular interests, select committees, debating in the House.

Research done on how MPs used research - case studies. Background knowledge, informing opinions, create effective scrutiny and policy. And some political point-scoring. HoC Library is a very honourable and believable brand.

Often library gets wind of growing issues through case workers asking about a question.

How are things changing? Moving to digital publications - new website. Learning about data science - hard to hire the right people so upskilling staff. Created constituency database using statistics. Pressure on A&Es.

Data management - SI service allowing tracking of SIs. Public engagement and accessibility. Public pays for the work so they should see the benefit. Increasing social media usage. Keep it factual.

Different from LoC - they aren't allowed to publish by law. HoC Library keeps MPs' queries confidential but other libraries don't.

A bit like the NHS - free at point of use, staff work to any imposed deadline. Want to increase self help - so MPs or their staff can feel confident using discovery tools and do their own research. Otherwise can't maintain standards of service.

Major renovation of buildings! Collections and people need to move out while it happens, plus opportunity to reimagine library service afterwards. 2025.

Takeaways: use our library briefings to tell people! Visit the Palace of Westminster (free tours), free exhibition on women's suffrage Voice & Vote. Encourage academics to submit evidence to select committees. Host events about democracy.

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