Section 605 - Duties and functions of the Department of LibrariesThe duties and functions of the Department of Libraries shall be to provide, administer, and maintain:
(1) A law library to serve the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, other members of the Judiciary, the legal profession, members of the General Assembly, officials of State government, and the general public. (2) A collection of federal documents.(3) An information and reference service to State government, including a comprehensive collection of current information relating to matters of public policy and topics pertinent to State government.(4) A general library collection of a sufficient size and scope to reinforce and supplement the resources of local and regional libraries. All materials of the Department of Libraries shall be available for free circulation to all citizens, institutions, and organizations under procedures adopted by the State Librarian except that the State Librarian may restrict rare or reference-type materials to one location. The Department shall arrange, classify, and catalog all materials in its custody and provide for their safekeeping and shall rebind books as needed. The Department shall provide service to other libraries in the State, schools, and individuals and may provide service by mail or book wagon or otherwise. (5) A service of advice and consultation to all libraries in the State, in order to assist them in realizing their potential. This service shall be provided at a regional level as well as at the State level. The Department may provide centralized cataloging and other related technical services to libraries in the State to the extent feasible.(6) All libraries in State correctional institutions and all State institutions for the treatment of persons with a mental condition or psychiatric disability and persons with an intellectual disability.(7) Reading materials for persons who are blind and persons with a physical disability.Amended by 2024 , No. 85, § 246, eff. 7/1/2024.Amended by 2021 , No. 53, § 5, eff. 7/1/2021.Added 1969, No. 226 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. 3/31/1970; amended 1971, No. 162 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 140.