Meet Annabel Allen

I started working in the House of Commons Library in 2021 after 20 years in the Vote Office as a Publications Officer, dealing with MPs’ day-to-day business paper requests. I completed a postgraduate diploma in Library and Information Studies by distance learning while working full time in 2015.

In my current role, I look after the Library’s physical collection of over 200,000 books and pamphlets. This covers political biographies, British and international history, parliament and policy, with a small section on subjects such as psychology. I suggest new books to add to the collection, issue books and journals on particular subjects/people/events, obtain books from other libraries on inter-library loans, and help with general enquires from MPs. The biggest challenge is getting through my ever growing collection of books I must read!

My role is a dream come true and I love everything about it and feel completely at home. I would highly recommend the Library as a place to work, with fantastic colleagues who are fun, encouraging, and supportive. There’s always a friendly face when you get stuck. We love helping and if you do too, then you’ll fit right in.