NITIJELA LAW LIBRARY
The Nitijela Law Library's primary mandate is to serve the information needs of the Members of the "Nitijela" or parliament and the staff of Nitijela.
As a secondary mandate, the library's collection is also available to other members of the public service and to bona fide external researchers on application to and with the permission of the Speaker, Assistant Speaker, Clerk or Assistant Clerk.
The Library's core aim is to provide timely and confidential information services specifically designed to assist Members of Parliament in performing their duties.
LIBRARY SERVICES
Information Assistance
At all times when the Nitijela is in session, and during regular library hours when the Nitijela is not in session, library staff are available to respond to information queries and questions. The library staff aim to provide timely and complete responses to all requests. All requests are treated with impartiality, objectivity and strict confidentiality.
How to Request Information
Requests can be made in person, by telephone, fax, email or mail.
Inter Library Loans
It is hoped that inter-library loan arrangements with other libraries will be put in place during 2007. This will enable Nitijela Library staff to obtain items not held in the Library's own collection at short notice if necessary.
Database Services
The Library began maintaining an in-house database in 2006 which stores electronic copies of Marshall Islands legislation such as bills and resolutions. It will also include selected information relevant to the Marshall Islands political and parliamentary affairs.
Information Files
The Library is building up its collection of Information Files which are a very important part of the collection as Members need current/latest information.
The Information Files cover government ministries, departments, agencies and statutory bodies; key institutions such as the courts, central bank and auditor general; major NGOs in the country such as chamber of commerce, churches, sporting, social and cultural organizations; regional and international organizations. They also include subject files covering a wide range of subjects important to the Marshall Islands such as tourism, trade, health, education, infectious diseases, drugs, youth, employment, water supply, environment, etc.
Biographical Files
The Library maintains files containing biographical information on each Marshall Islands Parliamentarian, both past and present. These files commence upon the election of a parliamentarian. The files continue after a parliamentarian leaves office so that basic material may be located to outline their full career before, during and after they no longer hold a parliamentary seat or have passed away. The files remain open to collect posthumous material from any source.
Photocopying
Nitijela Members, Nitijela staff and government department employees may photocopy library materials without charge. Requests should be directed to library staff.
Computer Kiosk
There are eight (8) computers available for Members of Parliament with internet/e-mail connections. Library staff are available to assist Nitijela Members with Internet searches for literature and other publications.
THE COLLECTION
The Library aims to maintain a collection that provides comprehensive subject coverage for an array of interests and public policy concerns. This is done so that Members are provided with prompt, accurate and in-depth information that they require to perform their duties effectively.
General Collection
The library collection includes holdings of government publications, books, periodicals, newspapers, annual reports and other materials to meet the information and research requirements of Members of the Nitijela. The primary subject areas of the collection are law, economic and social issues, politics and government, public administration and statistics.
The collection is made up of five different areas and information resources: reference materials (almanacs, directories, books of quotations, encyclopedias, dictionaries); parliamentary documents (Hansards, biils, acts, Marshall Islands legislative materials); government publications (annual reports, statistics); information files (of different relevant subject areas and biographical).
Catalogue
Holdings of the Nitijela Law Library are found on WINISIS which is presently available only in the Library. Library staff can provide searches for any information queries received.
BORROWING PRIVILEGES
a) Reference materials are not for loan and can only be consulted within the library.
b) Issues of serials, journals or magazines may be borrowed for up to one (1) week.
c) Only Copies "c" and "d" of Laws may be borrowed for up to one (1) week. All first two copies "a" and "b" are not allowed out of the library.
d) Materials from the general collection can be borrowed for up to one (1) month.
e) Electronic or soft copies of documents can only be consulted in the library.
f) Library users are allowed to borrow up to four (4) library items at any one time.
The Library will issue a reminder of materials that are overdue. Government departments and employees may also borrow materials on presentation of a Government Department Library ID Card. These will be issued by Nitijela Law Library.
FEES AND FINES
HOURS OF OPERATION
Nitijela in Session
Not in Session