Research Services and Parliamentary Libraries: Some Lessons from the New South Wales Experience

Abstract

The New South Wales Parliamentary Library established its Research Service in 1992. The emphasis is on the production of publications on legislation and issues likely to lead to legislation. The service is staffed by subject specialists who are not necessarily librarians. The emphasis on analysing legislation means that legal qualifications and experience have become important in selecting staff. Issues for the future include using Internet to disseminate information produced by the Research Service and greater cooperation between Australasian parliamentary library research services.