WA Parliamentary Library and Research Services

History

The Western Australian Parliamentary Library was first established as a joint Law Library under the Law and Parliamentary Library Act 1873. The joint library was physically separated in 1889 to form the Law Library under the control of the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Parliamentary Library to serve Members of the Legislature. Since then, the Library has grown into a sophisticated information service that provides a comprehensive library and information service to Members of the Western Australian Parliament.

Mission

The Parliamentary Library provides information services that are timely, effective and efficient, and functions as a central point for the collection, documentation, co-ordination and disseminiation of information to Members of Parliament.

Purpose

Resources and services offered by the Parliamentary Library are used by Members to prepare speeches, frame questions, prepare legislation, prepare media releases, contribute to party policies, for committee work and constituency work, etc.

General Information

The Library has been designed as a self-service information resource. Although that means we encourage our users to come into the Library, we also have a professionally staffed Reference Service that can be contacted by telephone, fax or e-mail. The Library databases can be accessed via the Parliament House network. Traditional library services, including relevant library collection, reference desk service, media monitoring – electronic and paper, information updating service keeps clients informed of selected new acquisitions and journal articles of interest through its current awareness service – e-currents. The Library staff can provide training in how to use the Library and its resources.

Opening Hours

Non-sitting weeks
8.30 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Sitting weeks
8.30 am – 5.00 pm Monday and Friday
8.30 am – 10.00 pm Tuesday
8.30 am – 10.00 pm Wednesday
8.30 am – 6.00 pm Thursday
8.30 am – 5.00 pm Friday

Web address: www.parliament.wa.gov.au

Inquiries: library@parliament.wa.gov.au

Parliamentary Librarian, Library and Information Services Manager

Judy Ballantyne
Parliament House
PERTH WA 6000

Phone: (08) 9222 7256 or 9222 7312
Fax: (08) 9222 7859

Email: jballantyne@parliament.wa.gov.au