Broadly speaking, NCLIS is responsible for addressing the information and learning needs of the American people. During its 35 years of existence, the Commission has been instrumental in providing leadership in a variety of ways, primarily by authorizing studies, conducting surveys, holding hearings, and organizing and carrying out similar activities. These activities in turn have provided the President and members of Congress with the information required to develop policy with respect to library and information science issues at the national and, occasionally, international levels of government.

This section includes policy statements and recommendations in such areas as government information, information services for the elderly, school libraries, emergency and disaster preparedness as related to information services, and international information services.