The county superintendent of schools may with the approval of the county board of education provide for the publication of materials that are necessary in connection with the curricular and special services that the superintendent of schools is authorized to perform in the county. The county superintendent of schools may, in accordance with regulations adopted by the county board of education and for educational use, sell or give away the published materials or may exchange them for similar published materials. Unless restricted by the regulations of the county board of education, the sale or gift may be made to, and the exchange may be made with, any person, political subdivision, public officer or agency, or educational institution. The distribution of the published materials in accordance with this section is declared to be a public purpose and in furtherance of Article IX, Section 1, of the California Constitution.