(1) The affairs of the Library shall be conducted by a Council to be known as the Council of the National Library of Australia.
(2) The Council shall consist of:
(aa) the Director - General;
(a) one Senator elected by the Senate;
(b) one member of the House of Representatives elected by that House; and
(c) 9 members appointed by the Governor - General, being persons who, in the opinion of the Governor - General, by their knowledge and experience can advance the full development of the Library.
(3) A member of the Council elected by either House of the Parliament holds office, subject to this Act, for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is fixed by that House at the time of his or her election.
(4) A member of the Council appointed by the Governor - General holds office, subject to this Act, for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is fixed by the Governor - General at the time of his or her appointment.
(5) A member of the Council elected by either House of the Parliament or appointed by the Governor - General is eligible for re - election or re - appointment.
(5A) A person must not be appointed as a member referred to in paragraph (2)(c) for a period if the sum of the following exceeds 9 years:
(a) that period;
(b) any periods of previous appointment of the person as a member.
(6) The exercise or performance of the powers or functions of the Council is not affected by reason only of there being a vacancy or vacancies in the membership of the Council.