[1] It creates and maintains plans for library development statewide, administers the interlibrary loan program, and plans resource sharing to serve the libraries of the state.
[1] OLIS also offers services to the public including through the Talking Books Library, the Statewide Reference Resource Center (AskRI), and directories of government and library services in Rhode Island.
[1] The Library Board of Rhode Island, made up of citizens and representatives from all types of libraries and appointed by the Governor, advises OLIS.
[3] The State Board of Education in Rhode Island was created in 1870 which disbursed some funds to public libraries.
[4] The Department of State Library Services (now OLIS) was founded in 1964 as a result of legislation initiated by the Rhode Island Library Association, taking over some of these roles from the State Library.