How the state librarian is chosen, paid, and what they do

(a) The state librarian shall be appointed by the board of education, without regard to chapter 76, shall be under the direction of the board, shall be responsible for the operation, planning, programming, and budgeting of all community/school and public libraries within the State, and may be removed by a majority vote of its members. The state librarian may be appointed: (1) Without regard to the state residency provisions of section 78-1(b); and (2) For a term of up to four years. (b) The salary of the state librarian shall be set by the board of education at a rate no greater than $175,000 a year. (c) The state librarian may appoint, without regard to chapter 76, one secretary for the state librarian. The secretary for the state librarian shall serve at the pleasure of the state librarian. (d) [Repeal and reenactment on June 30, 2028. L 2023, c 141, §4 .] The state librarian shall: (1) Collect, purchase, receive gifts of, and otherwise acquire all books and other publications proper for libraries, and arrange, classify, manage, and catalog the same; (2) Provide for safekeeping of the foregoing; (3) Expend moneys appropriated by the legislature and otherwise acquired for the development, use, support, and maintenance of libraries and other related purposes; (4) Provide ways and means for placing libraries within reach of all residents throughout the State and particularly of all public and private school children; (5) Provide and maintain branch libraries, offices, or places for the distribution of books and periodicals throughout the State; (6) Enter into contracts as may be necessary to carry into effect the general duties herein imposed; (7) Appoint officers and employees as deemed necessary, all of whom shall be under the authority of the governor for purposes of chapters 76, 78, 89, and 89C; (8) Impose and collect rates, rents, fees, fines, and charges for the use or enjoyment and services of the facilities of each state library facility; provided that the contracting for concessions within a library facility shall not be subject to section 102-14; (9) Revise rates, rents, fees, fines, and charges imposed pursuant to paragraph (8) upon approval of the board of education; and (10) Adopt rules for the management and use of libraries, and for the control of the property under its management.