(a) The Alabama Public Library Service shall give advice to all free public, regional, municipal and county libraries and to all communities in the state which may propose to establish public libraries, in the manner provided in this article, as to the best means of establishing and administering such Public Library Service, selecting and cataloging books and other details of library management and may send any of its staff to aid in organizing such libraries or to assist in the improvement of those already established. The service may advise as to the proper qualifications of librarians of free public, regional, municipal and county libraries and shall perform such other services consistent with and in furtherance of the purpose of this article as shall from time to time appear feasible. Moreover, the service shall advise as to arrangements as provided in Section 11-90-4, by which local governmental agencies may combine in the establishment of joint units of library service. The service may receive and shall administer all funds, books or other property from whatever source, under such conditions as may be deemed necessary in order to carry out the purpose of this article; and, by the use of such means and methods as circumstances warrant, the service may acquire and operate traveling libraries, and circulate or loan such books and libraries among communities, libraries, library associations, social and civic clubs and organizations and other public agencies and institutions under such conditions and rules as the board deems necessary in order to protect the interests of the state and to increase the efficiency and promote the extension of public library service throughout the state.

(b) The Alabama Public Library Service, through its board, shall have the authority to make exceptions in their criteria for receiving state aid as they relate to educational requirements and hours of operation.