The Board of Directors holds ultimate authority over the Society as representatives of the members. Twelve voting members and a variable number of ex-officio members meet at least annually. Board members serve six-year terms, staggered every two years (i.e., a third of the board is vacated and up for election in each odd-numbered year). Paid members suggest nominations to the nominating committee, which then chooses a slate (with the approval of the Board) to be put to the members for election. The current voting members of the ISLS Board are:

Committee chairs serve as ex-officio (non-voting) members, as does a representative from each journal and conference.