The purpose of this guide is to describe British Parliamentary documents available in the M.S.U. Libraries in paper, micro, and electronic formats, and to provide directions for their location and use. It is primarily useful for research using 18th through 21st century documents. During the rise and zenith of the Empire the British government was often a progressive model for the entire world in its investigations of the economic and social problems associated with modernization. Those wishing to research topics such as the impact of industrialization, progressive enfranchisement of the middle classes, the history of industrial regulation, and growth of the governmental machinery of the welfare state have a wealth of primary source material here. Too, there is a great deal of information to be found in the Parliamentary papers about the world wars, colonial issues, exploration, trade, products, exploitation, slavery, and peoples of the British Colonies.
The Parliamentary Papers resemble the United States Serial Set, in that they are made up of a variety of different kinds of government documents. Even with this guide it may be difficult to find what you seek. In this case, contact Agnes Widder for an appointment.
Or, you may wish to use the research guides provided by the vendor of the online Parliamentary Papers. ProQuest's guide to the U.K. Parliamentary Papers is here.