The library is the main depository for North Carolina state publications[1] and serves the needs of North Carolina government agencies and state government employees by providing access to information resources that are vital to public decision-making and economic development.

The State Library's responsibilities included maintaining a general collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, films, audio-visual and other materials.

In subsequent years the State Library extended additional services to those unable to hold or read ordinary printed materials because of physical or visual impairments.

The commission was also charged with working for the financial support of local public library and statewide services, including interlibrary programs.

The portal contains 30+ distinct collections, including State Publications, Family Records, Urban Development in North Carolina, and NC MOSAIC.

The North Carolina Center for the Book develops and coordinates a wide range of programs hosted locally by public libraries and their community partners.

It serves as an advocate, promoting the vital role of books, reading, literacy, and libraries in North Carolina.

The Government and Heritage Library offers interlibrary loan services to State Employees who work in Raleigh.

State Employees who work outside of Raleigh can take advantage of Interlibrary Loan Services through their local public libraries.

[4] The public libraries, community colleges, the state's university system, and members of the North Carolina Association of Independent Colleges and Universities are provided online access to NC LIVE, an extensive and diverse collection of premium electronic resources.

Reference services are provided at both of the State Library's locations, on E. Jones Street and Capital Boulevard in Raleigh.

The Government and Heritage Library boasts one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of North Carolina genealogical resources in the state.

The Genealogy Collection includes books (family histories, published abstracts, county, state and federal records), periodicals, census indexes, and microfilms related to North Carolina as well as states from which and to which North Carolinians migrated.

All items in the General Collection are shelved in closed stacks which are only accessible to State Library staff.

A patron can view books from the General Collection by requesting them from the State Library's Information (Reference) Desk.

A small and specialized selection of rare books which cover topics related to North Carolina.

Qualities of the rare books include age, limited printings, signatures, and/or custom illustrations.

The reference collection contains: North Carolina resources, current periodicals and newspapers, business information, North Carolina telephone directories, frequently requested state and federal government publications, statistical materials, directories, indices, and maps.

The Commission advises the Secretary of Cultural Resources and the State Librarian on priorities and policy issues.