(a)
The State Librarian may annually award a gold medal for excellence in the humanities and science to an individual or organization for publication of a work that has enriched the collection of the State Library and enriched the state by significantly contributing to the intellectual, cultural, and scientific knowledge of the people of the state.
(b)
The award shall formally be known as the “California State Library Gold Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and Science.”
(c)
To assist in making the selection of a recipient of the California State Library Gold Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and Science, the State Librarian shall consult an advisory panel consisting of one representative from each of the following:
(1)
The Governor.
(2)
The President pro Tempore of the Senate.
(3)
The Speaker of the Assembly.
(4)
The Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
(d)
The State Librarian is authorized to seek private contributions to defray the cost of awarding the California State Library Gold Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and Science and related expenses.