(a) If any two or more contiguous jurisdictions operating public libraries wish to consolidate their libraries into a single library agency, a joint notice of intent signed by the head librarians of the consolidating jurisdictions must be filed with the State Board no later than September 1 of the fiscal year immediately preceding the effective date for consolidation. Authorizations to consolidate, approved by the governing body of each consolidating jurisdiction, and a joint plan for provision of consolidated services, signed by the head librarians, must be filed with the State Board no later than June 1 of the fiscal year immediately preceding the effective date of the consolidation.

(b) The State Board's approval of requests for library consolidation shall be based on its determination that the consolidation provides a more effective means of carrying out the purposes of the Act than would be the case if the consolidation did not occur.

(c) A public library consolidation approved by the State Board will be considered effective beginning July 1 of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the consolidation authorizations are filed.