Its CORE functions include:
- Provision of reference and document delivery service and other library services
- The organization and maintenance of the collection of books, periodicals pamphlets, newspapers, films, microfilm and musical scores and recordings
- Making the facilities of the National Library available to government functionaries, researchers, students and the general public, and providing current awareness through the compilation of bibliographic indexes and abstracting service
- Attending subpoenas or court summons with materials deposited in the National library through the Legal Deposit Obligations, when need arises
- Conducting Readership Promotion Campaign and Exhibitions
- Issuing of ISBN/ISSN to publishers and author at state level
