The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) is a permanent, independent agency of the federal government charged with advising the executive and legislative branches and other public and private organizations on national library and information policies and plans.

The Commission

• reports directly to the White House and the Congress on the implementation of national policy
• conducts studies, surveys and analyses of the nation's library and information needs
• promotes research and development activities
• conducts hearings and issues publications as appropriate
• develops overall plans for meeting national library and informational needs and for the coordination of activities at the federal, state and local levels and
• provides policy advice to IMLS Director regarding financial assistance for library services.

The Commission was established in 1970 with the enactment of Public Law 91-345. Amendments are in 1991 (Public Law 102-95), 1996 (Public Law 104-208) and 2003 (Public Law 108-81). Background on the Commission