The powers and functions of the council shall be as follows, namely:-
(i) to advise the State Government on a reference made to it or on its own motion, in regard to all matter connected with the administration of this Act and the rules;
5
(ii) To approve the expenditure out of the state library Development fund in accordance with the rules;
(iii) to direct the measures to be taken for promotion of use of books and to cultivate the reading habits among the community ;
(iv) To consider the annual report on the working ,administration and progress of public libraries prepared under section 22 and to make suggestions and recommendations thereon;
(v) to review from time to time , based upon the reports and inspections made under sections 20 and 21 respectively , the working and administration of all public libraries and public library associations and to suggest ways and means to remove difficulties in becoming more useful and effective instruments of public education and library service ;
(vi) to make recommendations to the State Government as regards the measure to be taken for the improvement of the administration of public libraries;
(vii) to suggest the norms and standards performance as criteria for eligibility for the purpose of grant-in-aid or other financial assistance to public libraries and public library associations ;
(viii) to suggest the formula for fixing the quantum of grant-in-aid ;
(ix) to advise the State Government with regard to the objects and purposes for financial assistance other than grant-in-aid and the terms and conditions to be fulfilled for such assistance;
(x) to make suggestions and recommendations for annual development plan for libraries;
(xi) to organize and conduct library seminars , meetings and conferences;
(xii) to prepare consolidated programme in the sphere of library service in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time;
(xiii) to suggest for organisation and promotion of efficient library service in the State;
(xiv) to suggest for raising finances and for promotion of library service;
(xv) to prepare long term and short term plans for improving the library service in the State ;
6
(xvi) to exercise such powers, and to perform such functions, as are conferred on, or entrusted to it by or under this Act or the rules made thereunder;