An enquiries management database at the House of Commons Library using BasisPlus

A description of the services of the House of Commons Library is given and of POLIS (the Parliamentary Online Information System). The selection, planning and implementation of the ENQuiries database using the BasisPlus text management software package to record, retrieve and provide management information about the enquiry workload of the House of Commons Library is described. Originally implemented on a VAX 8250 with the other POLIS databases which used BASIS, ENQ was then moved to a MicroVax and then with the rest of POLIS to two VAX 4600s. It now runs on a UNIX processor. The workflow, management reports and consultation process are described. The success of the application is described with reference to its original objectives. A chronology is given.