(1) The state library commission consists of five members appointed by the governor for three year terms and the state superintendent of public instruction or his designee and a librarian appointed by the commissioner of higher education from the Montana university system. The commission annually elects a chair from its membership. It employs as its executive officer a state librarian who is not a member of the commission, and who performs duties assigned by the commission.

(2) The state library provides library service at the state level, serving state government, local libraries, and federations; it promotes the development of adequate libraries throughout the state; it provides library service to persons with visual and physical disabilities and persons in state institutions; expends funds available from federal, state, and private sources for the purpose of fostering library development; and provides for a comprehensive program for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of data related to the natural resources of Montana.

(3) The Montana library services advisory council is created by the governor in accordance with the provisions of 2-15-122, MCA. The commission shall submit names of recommended council members to the governor.

(a) The council shall advise the commission on the development, evaluation and funding of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program and other pertinent issues that may relate to or influence LSTA.

(b) The composition of the council shall be no more than nine members. Eight shall serve for two years and may be reappointed for two additional terms and may represent: users of public library services in eastern, central, and western Montana; public libraries; school libraries; academic or special libraries; persons who cannot use traditional library services; and a member of the legislature. The president of the Montana library association or designee may serve a one-year term on the council during the presidency of the association.

(c) The council shall have the authority to establish bylaws for its internal operation. These bylaws may not conflict with 22-1-103, MCA, the Library Services and Technology Act, its rules and regulations, or with policies established by the commission.

(d) The number of yearly meetings shall be determined by the executive committee of the council. The number shall remain flexible to include no less than two and no more than four meetings.

(4) Inquiries regarding the functions of the state library shall be addressed to the state librarian.

(5) Personnel Roster: Montana State Library, 1515 E. 6th Ave., Helena, Montana 59620; State Librarian, Statewide Library Resources Director, Regional Director of the Talking Book Library, and Director of the Natural Resource Information System.