As used in this chapter:

(a) “Public library” means a library, or two or more libraries, operated as a single entity by one or more public jurisdictions and which serve the general public without distinction.

(b) “Foundation program” means those elements of library service which are basic to its function as a provider of information, education, and cultural enrichment to all segments of the community, including, but not limited to, collection development and maintenance, lending services, information services, facility maintenance, and administration. The foundation program shall not include major capital improvements, which, for purposes of this chapter, shall be defined as the purchase of real property, the construction or improvement of buildings, and the purchase of equipment and the payment of fees or other costs in connection with the same.

(c) “Fiscal officer” means, for a municipal library, the chief fiscal officer of the municipality; for a county library or a library district under the jurisdiction of the county board of supervisors, the chief fiscal officer of the county; and for an independent library district, the chief librarian of the district. In the case of a public library which provides foundation program service by contract to one or more jurisdictions in addition to the jurisdiction or jurisdictions with which it is affiliated, the chief fiscal officer of the jurisdiction with which it is primarily affiliated shall be deemed the fiscal officer for the public library for the purposes of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 895, Sec. 1.)