[3] Prior to March 1975, two organisations guided the provision of public library services for the people of New South Wales.
[4] The Board oversaw inspections of the public libraries operated by local government[5] and advice provided on the establishment of public library facilities in communities[6] and co-operation between local government authorities to create regional library services.
The nine members of the Council are nominated by the Minister for the Arts and appointed to a three-year term by the Governor of New South Wales.
The Library Act specifies that the Council must include at least one person who has knowledge of, or experience in, education, and at least one person who has knowledge of, or experience in, local government.
[9] Many prominent community members have served on Library Council and the position of president has been held by:[3]