The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science was established as an independent commission within the Executive branch by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act (Pub. L. 91-345) on July 20, 1970. The role of the Commission is to advise the President and Congress on matters relating to library and information policies and plans. It is responsible for developing or recommending overall plans for the provision of library and information services adequate to meet the needs of the people of the United States.