Newfoundland and Labrador
The Legislative Library was first noted in the Journal of the House of Assembly in 1836, just three years after Representative Government was granted to the colony of Newfoundland. Library services continued to be provided after the granting of Responsible government in 1855. Following the recommendations of the Amulree Royal Commission, and because of the deteriorating financial situation of the Dominion, in 1933 the Legislature requested the suspension of the Constitution and Responsible Government. From February 16, 1934, when Dominion status was suspended, until 1949, Newfoundland was governed by a Commission consisting of an appointed Governor, three Commissioners from Newfoundland, and three Commissioners from Great Britain. During this period the Library was closed. In August 1949, just five months after Confederation with Canada, the Legislative Library was re-established.
The modern Newfoundland and Labrador Legislative Library provides non-partisan, confidential parliamentary library services to all Members and Officers of the House of Assembly and their support staff. Services are also provided to the Public Service and, on a limited basis, to the general public.
The Legislative Library has a vast and diverse collection of materials dating from the 18th century to the present day. Notably, the Legislative Library acts as the official depositary of documents publicly released by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the Legislative Library’s responsibility to preserve these materials for long-term use and posterity regardless of their original format or storage medium.
The Legislative Library provides access to several in-house developed and maintained databases as well as commercial research databases. Examples of in-house produced and maintained resources include an electronic catalogue, a local media index, a Members index, a news release index dating from 2001 and the annual Hansard index. The Legislative Library is also responsible for maintaining the House of Assembly website.
The Legislative Library is presently located in the East Block of the Confederation Building Complex. The Complex houses both the Legislative and Executive branches of government.