Parliamentary library and research services in the 21st century: A Delphi study

Abstract

IFLA provides the opportunity through its sections and conferences for libraries around the world to share ideas and experiences. This article reports on a study using the Delphi method which identified key challenges for library and research services for parliaments. The participants in the study were leading innovators in and thinkers in these services who are active IFLA members. The context for the study is changing expectations of citizens for engagement with parliament and their representatives and new technologies which enable greater access to parliament. The study found that these this new environment meant that members of parliament expected library and research services to support them in new ways, and to assist the parliament adopt new technologies. There are competitors to the traditional services of library and research services, however the values, skills and expertise of library and research services can be recognised and enhanced in the online environment. Fundamental challenges exist to innovate within constrained budgets, and to assess our investments to ensure that members of parliament and citizens are better informed.