TLSB is a parastatal organization under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. It was formally established on 1^st April 1964 following the enactment of the Tanganyika Library Services Board Act of 1963.  This Act was later replaced by the Tanzania Library Services Board Act of 1975 which extended the Board’s functions and powers.

Under the 1975 Library Act, the Board is not only responsible for the development of libraries but also documentation and information services, training of librarians, participation in promoting literacy campaigns, promotion and development of indigenous literature, control and supervision over public libraries and advising ministries and parastatal organizations on library and documentation services.