There is established a local education agency to serve as an educational information and resource center to provide, on request, support and assistance to teachers, administrators, parent and community groups, schools and colleges, the Department of Education, and other public agencies, through the delivery of materials, techniques and expertise to improve school and community programs and services. The services provided by the center shall include: a lending library of educational and instructional materials; preparation of media and materials for informational and instructional purposes; an educational information storage and retrieval system; special topic seminars and conferences; and consultant advice, information and expertise. The programs and services of the center shall not duplicate the programs of the Department of Education.

To the extent permitted by law, the educational information and resource center shall also provide support and service to nonprofit, nonpublic schools.

L.1983, c. 186, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1983.