We conduct research on public policy issues and problems and options for addressing them. This type of research includes describing Connecticut programs and policies and comparing them to those in other states, describing federal and other states' policies and programs, analyzing court cases, providing policy options and the pros and cons of pending bills, and summarizing the history of legislation.
The Legislative Library provides legislative, legal and general research services, including legislative histories, journal and article searches, and historical research. The library staff collect and maintain a large collection of print and electronic documents and databases, such as board appointments and mandated reports. The library works with all non-partisan offices, individual legislators, political caucuses and joint committee offices.
OLR staff generally do not conduct empirical research, that is, we do not test hypotheses against evidence we collect from the field. Sometimes (when specifically asked and as time permits) we can conduct surveys to answer questions about current practices in the field. For example, how many school boards test athletes for drugs?
OLR staff do not do research in fiscal areas, that is the role of the Office of Fiscal Analysis. But we will do research that has a fiscal component if the bulk of the research deals with policy or programs. For example, describe Connecticut's health care programs for seniors and how much they cost last year. We will also collaborate with OFA analysts to produce a report that combines policy and fiscal research.
The Legislative Library provides legislative research services, including legislative histories, journal and article searches, and in-depth historical research. The library staff collect and maintain a large collection of print and electronic documents and databases, such as board appointments and mandated reports. The library works with all non-partisan offices, individual legislators, political caucuses and joint committee offices.