This act shall be known and may be cited as the "library network act of 1971".

     As used in this act "library network" means the connecting of the largest research libraries in the state for the express purpose of making their collections available to all citizens in the state through interlibrary loan. The state library shall assume administrative leadership in this network concept and shall designate participating libraries.

     A library shall maintain a collection of at least 1,000,000 volumes in order to be eligible for membership in the network. A library shall be connected to the state library by means of electronic equipment and shall agree to supply for interlibrary loan any volume in its collection, not in use, except rare volumes, reference works, books on reserve for course work, volumes of serials, fragile materials, and all other library materials which are not loaned under its regulations.

     The state library in Lansing shall administer the interlibrary loan service for the state.

     A library meeting the requirements specified for inclusion in the network shall apply to the state board of education, indicating its compliance with the provisions of this act.

     The state board of education may promulgate rules for administration of this act in accordance with and subject to Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being sections 24.201 to 24.315 of the Compiled Laws of 1948.