A post by Open Access Publications Officer Katie Skellett
As an Open Access Publications Officer, my work day revolves around the mechanics of how research is shared and accessed. It’s an all-too-rare occurrence that I get to see the real-world impact of research. So, when I heard I was one of the lucky few to be selected to visit the House of Commons Library for its Open Day, I jumped at the opportunity to explore how research supports decision-making at the highest levels.
A Library Unlike Any Other
Walking into the House of Commons Library is like stepping into a hidden world of knowledge, tucked away behind the grand debates and political drama of Westminster. The Library isn’t just a single space; it’s a network of specialist reading rooms, research hubs, and digital resources, all designed to provide MPs with reliable, impartial information.
One of the most striking aspects is how the Library blends history and modernity. The grand architecture and historic volumes sit alongside cutting-edge digital services that ensure politicians can access key information quickly. The Members’ Library, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in the mid-nineteenth-century, possesses old-world charm with its wooden ladders, ornate bookcases and parliamentary archives, while other areas are set up for rapid research responses and digital briefings. We’re extremely lucky to enjoy a similar juxtaposition of history and modernity at Durham University Library and Collections – it’s just not often we sit alongside politicians whilst so doing!
What Do MPs Ask For?
The House of Commons’ Library Research Team fields near to 20,000 enquiries each year, ranging from quick fact-checks to in-depth policy analysis. MPs also often need information with near-impossible deadlines—sometimes within two hours of a debate! The library’s 90 subject specialists produce approximately 1,000 research briefings a year on pressing issues, distilling complex topics into accessible summaries. Publications released on the day I visited include: Quality and safety of maternity care (England), Abortion in Northern Ireland: recent changes to the legal framework and Employment in the UK: Economic Indicators.
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) also publishes POSTnotes, which provide concise overviews of scientific developments. Recent POSTnotes summarise the ethical and regulatory considerations, and opportunities and delivery considerations, for deploying artificial intelligence in mental healthcare.
What about what MPs are borrowing? The Library regularly publishes details of the most frequently borrowed books, as well as titles purchased specifically at MPs requests. Impossible not to have a peek!
The Unsung Heroes of Parliament
Behind every informed debate and policy decision is a team of expert librarians and researchers working tirelessly to ensure accuracy. It was fascinating to hear how they navigate politically sensitive topics while maintaining neutrality. Their work ensures that MPs, regardless of party affiliation, receive balanced, evidence-based information to support their arguments and policy decisions.
As an open access advocate, I was particularly interested in understanding the Library’s attitude to sharing content so that a wider audience can access and reuse it, beyond the MPs and their staff that they so diligently serve. In fact, anyone can read all the research published by the Library and can sign up for alerts for new published content. All readers are also free to re-use the information available in the Library’s publications with proper attribution, under an Open Parliament Licence .
Final Reflections
The visit was an eye-opening experience, showcasing a side of Parliament that lots of people don’t get to see. While the Commons Chamber might steal the spotlight, it’s the House of Commons Library that quietly fuels informed decision-making. Whether through meticulously prepared research briefings, rapid-response fact-checking, or access to global academic work, the Library certainly plays a crucial role in shaping UK policy.
I loved every minute of my visit and am very grateful to colleagues at Durham and the House of Commons Library for facilitating my trip.
Pictures: UK Parliament CC BY-NC-ND