Information, Library and Research Service Department

Introduction
The Department of Library is composed of the Parliamentary Library and the Parliamentary Archives. This department is responsible for the provision of requisite information from library and archival materials. The aim of this department is to provide timely/accurate and non-partisan data and information service to members and staff either directly or through the use of the library and archival materials.

PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY
The Right to Access Information Act of 2013 gives the right to every citizen to access information in the domain of the state. The library exists to provide that channel through which Members and staff of parliament can access government and all other information resources. The library is located on Speakers level next door to the canteen. The library operate an open arrangement to allow users to browse and take for home reading except for some closed access materials that are not for loan.

The library also house some technology based resources available for use by members of parliament and staff. They include:

• 13-station internet facility where guidance and assistance is given to users;
• Printing in black and white is also done for users;
• Scanning;
• Photocopying.

Membership
Members of Parliament and staff are the principal users of the library. Research request from the public has to seek approval from the Clerk of Parliament.

This Department is made up of three (3) units, namely: Library, Research, & Documentation. These units operate independently and provide timely, accurate and non-partisan data and information service either directly or through the use of Library, Research and Archival facilities, to address the information needs of Members of Parliament.

VISION
We are a corps of competent, effective and efficient Parliamentary Service staff committed to support Parliament in giving timely, effective and efficient information and support services in order to bring Parliament closer to the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.

MISSION STATEMENT
We provide effective and efficient information and support services to all Members of Parliament in realization of their constitutional mandates.

MANDATE
Section 13, sub-sections 1 & (2d) of the Parliamentary Service Act of 2007 provide for the Establishment of the Department of Library, Research &Documentation in the House of Parliament.

FUNCTIONS
The Department performs the following functions which include:-

• The selection, evaluation, acquisition and organization of various information resources in printed and electronic forms;
• Provision of tools necessary for retrieval and delivery of information (e.g. Indexes, accession register, shelf list etc.);
• We also locate information, including database searches on-line, to provide quick reference service by answering questions of directional or factual nature to users;
• We establish linkages and active cooperation with other libraries, government agencies and library organizations.

SERVICES OFFERED TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

• We answer reference queries and assist users in their research by providing the requisite materials;
• Provide current information (local and international newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals etc.);
• We lend our collections for two (2) weeks;
• We provide photocopying and internet service.
• We provide Research materials for Members of Parliament

RULES OF THE LIBRARY
The library is mainly for the use of MPs and staff; any other user needs to get approval from the Clerk of Parliament;

• Silence must be observed in all parts of the library
• Eating in the library is not allowed
• Information queries should be addressed to the librarian
• Books and all other information must not be removed from the library without the authorization of the librarian
• Library materials shall be loaned for maximum of two weeks(14 days)
• Loiters and idlers are prohibited from the library premises.

SPECIAL COLLECTION
The Parliamentary Library is special library with some collections that are unique to Parliament. These are materials accumulated during the work of Parliament. Some are generated, received by Parliament which include: Acts, Bills, Presidential Addresses, Budget Speeches, Hansards (Parliamentary Debates), Protocols and Conventions, Votes and Proceedings, Order Papers, Loan Agreements, etc.

GENERAL COLLECTION/QUICK REFERNCE
This collection caters for all subject areas. This collection covers the following subject areas namely:
Education and Recreation;
Labour, Public Enterprise;
Local Government;
Finance and Public Accounts;
Law, Social and Public Service;
Trade and Industry;
Health;
Justice and Security;
Foreign and International Affairs
The library also offers quick reference materials which include: dictionaries; encyclopedia; yearbook; almanacs and thesauruses

2.3 CLIENTELE SERVICE
The Department provides assistance and guidance in the use of library materials. Also makes facilities available in order to maximize the use its collection. Among services we render to users are:

Answering reference queries and assisting users in their research by providing the requisite materials;

Providing current information (local and international newspapers, magazines, journals and periodicals);

There is a loan scheme for the general collection-materials are loaned for two (2) weeks. Materials in the special collection are meant for reference purposes;

Maintenance of reading area, photocopying and internet service

RESEARCH UNIT
Parliament is a highly political and high-profile institution, with a unique set of customs with distinct needs. The role of the Research Unit is to provide information and research in such a way that it meets the needs of Parliamentarians. The research produced are impartial; clear; and authoritative; timely; relevant and in some cases, confidential.

The Research Unit can provide a range of services including:
Briefing papers for all Parliamentarians on the impacts of proposed legislation, policies and programmes and other topical issues;

Provision of a confidential question- answering service for individual Parliamentarians, Answers can be over the phone, face-to-face or written; very short; provided within tight deadlines and provided in confidence to the Parliamentarian;

Information service, such as the provision of expert resources e.g. academic papers or media articles

ASSISTANCE TO COMMITTEES
The staff seeks to provide research and information services tailored to the specific needs of the committee as part of the wider range of services to support committee’s work. The key research services to committees include:

Briefings to advice members of the committee on potential future subjects for inquiry;

Briefings for evidence session to help cross examination of witnesses;

Analyzing the evidence received by the committee and drafting of committee reports to reflect that evidence

EXPECTATIONS
We expect the new turnout of MPs will make good use of our invaluable collections and our services offered in enhancing their participation in legislative debates and oversight functions.

We also expect staff in other departments to make good use of collections and services in order to assist them in their Parliamentary duties.