David Lewis Jones: A Legacy of Modernizing the House of Lords Library
The evolution of modern legislative libraries requires a blend of traditional scholarship and forward-thinking technology. Few individuals embody this transition as clearly as David Lewis Jones, a distinguished librarian and historian who spent decades transforming the House of Lords Library into a contemporary research hub.
Early Career and Academic Foundations
Jones began his professional journey in 1970 as an assistant librarian at the Institute of Historical Research in London. After two years in the capital, he returned to Wales from 1972 to 1977, where he served as the law librarian at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. These early roles established his expertise in managing specialized academic and legal collections.
Transforming the House of Lords Library
In 1977, Lord Elwyn-Jones, the Lord Chancellor in the Labour Government, recruited Jones to serve as the deputy librarian of the House of Lords Library. This appointment was a pivotal moment for the institution, following a report by a working group led by David Eccles, 1st Viscount Eccles. The report advocated for the creation of a professional research service, the hiring of qualified librarians, and the adoption of information technology.
As the first qualified librarian to hold the deputy post, Jones worked alongside Roger Morgan from 1977 to 1991 to bring the library up to modern standards. Collaborating directly with Viscount Eccles, Jones managed the implementation of the Geac ADVANCE system—a multiuser integrated online library system that streamlined acquisitions, cataloguing, serials control, and provided online catalogue access.
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Beyond technology, Jones was dedicated to the preservation of history, establishing a comprehensive programme for the conservation and cataloguing of the library's historic collections.
Leadership and Expansion
Upon succeeding Roger Morgan as librarian in 1991, Jones continued his mission of modernization. He fostered cooperation with the House of Commons Library to develop shared online systems, ensuring a more cohesive research environment for Parliament.
During his 15-year tenure as librarian, Jones significantly scaled the institution's capabilities. He tripled the staff size from 10 to 30 employees, recruiting highly qualified librarians, research clerks, and secretarial staff to meet the increasing demand for rapid access to information by the Lords. In 1999, he further enhanced the facilities by contributing to upgrades for the Law Lords' working law library at the Palace of Westminster's West Front.
Contributions as a Historian and Scholar
Parallel to his administrative achievements, David Lewis Jones was a prolific historian, bibliographer, and biographer. He contributed scholarly entries to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and the Dictionary of Welsh Biography, and authored a biography of Eirene White, Baroness White.
His commitment to Welsh culture was recognized in 1996 when he was admitted to the Gorsedd at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Llandeilo. He also served as the secretary to the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion from 1994 to 1996.
Key Facts
- First Qualified Deputy: Jones was the first professionally qualified librarian to serve as deputy librarian of the House of Lords Library.
- Technological Pioneer: He oversaw the installation of the Geac ADVANCE integrated online system.
- Staff Growth: He tripled the library staff from 10 to 30 during his tenure as librarian.
- Honours: He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2005 Birthday Honours.
- Retirement: He retired in 2006 and was succeeded by Elizabeth Hallam-Smith.
| Period | Role/Achievement | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–1972 | Assistant Librarian | Institute of Historical Research, London |
| 1972–1977 | Law Librarian | University College of Wales, Aberystwyth |
| 1977–1991 | Deputy Librarian | House of Lords Library |
| 1991–2006 | Librarian | House of Lords Library |
| 2005 | Appointed CBE | British Empire Honours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was David Lewis Jones's primary impact on the House of Lords Library?
Jones modernized the library by introducing the Geac ADVANCE online system, expanding the professional staff from 10 to 30, and establishing a formal research service and conservation programme for historic collections.
What is the Geac ADVANCE system?
It is a multiuser integrated online library system that Jones implemented to handle acquisitions, cataloguing, and serials control, while providing online access to the library's catalogue.
How did Jones contribute to Welsh culture?
He served as secretary to the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion and was admitted to the Gorsedd at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1996 for his services to Welsh culture.
Which biographical works did he contribute to?
He wrote entries for the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and the Dictionary of Welsh Biography, and he authored a book on Eirene White, Baroness White.
When did he retire and who succeeded him?
David Lewis Jones retired in 2006 and was succeeded by Elizabeth Hallam-Smith.