The House of Lords Library
The House of Lords Library provides impartial research and information services to support Members of the House of Lords, their staff and staff of the House.
Further information about the Library, as well as all our publications, can be found on our website.
Lords Library services
The Library deals with thousands of enquiries a year on varied topics from Members of the House of Lords, their staff and staff of the House. From book requests and fact-finding enquiries to bespoke briefings on complex policy issues, the Library equips Members with the information they need to participate in Parliament.
The Library provides access to books and e-books, journal articles, legal materials, newspapers, parliamentary publications, and specialist online resources for Members of the House of Lords, their staff, and staff of the House, alongside training and support for Members and staff.
Library briefings are published for every major item of business in the House of Lords, providing Members with an essential overview of the topic, its progress in Parliament, and recent developments, to help them engage with business in the Chamber. We also produce topical and current affairs briefings, providing authoritative, up-to-date information on key topics and events. All Lords Library research briefings are available to the public on the Library’s website.
The Library is a centre of expertise on the House itself, and publishes authoritative research on the history of the House, the make-up of the membership and constitutional developments.
About the Lords Library
The Library was established in 1826 to provide legal and reference books to aid the work of the House. It has developed into a modern and professional research and information service, operating out of the historic Library suite in the Palace of Westminster and a Library based in Millbank House.
The Library holds a collection of around 80,000 books, journals, newspapers and parliamentary papers.
Deposited papers are also placed in the Library by government ministers in response to requests for information by MPs or Members of the Lords in the form of parliamentary questions or requests during debates. These can be searched on the Deposited Papers site.
Where can I find Lords Library vacancies?
Library vacancies will be advertised on the House of Lords Careers website.
Where can I find more information on the House of Lords?
Public enquiries about the work of the House of Lords should be directed to the Enquiry Service at hlinfo@parliament.uk or by phone on 0800 223 0855 (freephone) or 020 7219 3107.