The Library of Parliament was established shortly after Confederation, and is currently provided for in sections 73 to 79 of the Parliament of Canada Act. The direction and control of the Library is vested jointly in the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons. The control and management of the Library rests with the Parliamentary Librarian, assisted by an Associate Parliamentary Librarian, both of whom are appointed by the Governor in Council.

Since 2001, provision has also been made for the appointment of a Parliamentary Poet Laureate as an officer of the Library, who is appointed by the two Speakers. In 2006, the Parliament of Canada Act was amended to establish the position of Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) within the Library of Parliament. The office holder will be appointed by the Governor in Council. The PBO’s mandate includes providing objective analysis to both Houses and to certain parliamentary Committees of government estimates and evaluating the costs of private Member’s bills and parliamentary initiatives.