Library Board of Victoria

The affairs of the State Library of Victoria are governed by the Library Board of Victoria. The Board is subject to the direction and control of the Minister for the Arts.

The functions of the Board, regarding the State Library and State Collection, are set out in the Libraries Act 1988 and include the following:

• ensuring the maintenance, preservation and development of a State Collection of library material, including a comprehensive collection of library material relating to Victoria and the people of Victoria
• ensuring that the library material in the State Collection is available to such persons and institutions, and in such manner and subject to such conditions as the Board determines, with a view to the most advantageous use of the State Collection
• ensuring the availability of such other services and facilities in relation to library matters and library material (including bibliographic services) as the Board determines
• arranging the publication and sale of reproductions of any library material in the State Collection
• overseeing the exhibition of material from the State Collection for information, education and entertainment
• overseeing cooperation in programs with libraries and information organisations to promote access to library and information services and resources
• exercising leadership and promoting high standards in the provision of library and information services
• providing advice to the Minister on any matter concerning libraries and information organisations
• performing any other functions appropriate to the Board as the Minister may approve.

In carrying out its functions, as set out in the Act, the Board must endeavour to contribute to the enrichment of the cultural, educational, social and economic life of the people of Victoria, and has power to do all things necessary or convenient in connection with the performance of its functions.

The Board has up to eleven members who serve for terms of up to three years, and are eligible for reappointment.