Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024
Section 75-1 - Use of State Aid FundsA. State Aid Funds may be used:(1) To employ professional and preprofessional librarians who meet the certification requirements and hold the appropriate certificate currently effective, from the State Library and other staff consistent with South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(a) "Professional" means a graduate of master's degree program of library and information studies accredited by the American Library Association.(b) "Preprofessional" means a graduate of an accredited four-year college having eighteen semester hours of library science or other appropriate course work as determined by the South Carolina State Library.(c) "Other Staff" means an individual with appropriate training in areas such as automation/technology, human resources, public relations/marketing, and finance.(2) To provide on-going training and continuing educational opportunities for all employees and trustees of the library consistent with South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(3) To secure services of outside expertise in areas of library operations and services.(4) To purchase or lease library materials and resources in all formats for service to the public.(5) To purchase or lease library and office equipment and services.(6) To purchase a new bookmobile and other vehicles for public service use and pay for their operations. Vehicles are not to be assigned to individuals for personal use.(7) To provide an annual audit of the financial records of the library prepared by a certified public accountant provided such audit is not part of the general county audit paid for by the county.B. State Aid funds may not be used for rent for library buildings, purchase of land, construction or repairs to building operating expenses such as utilities, or janitor supplies.C. Local library support shall be not less than the amount actually expended for library operations from local sources in the second preceding year.D. Any library receiving State Aid shall be legally established and administered by a legally appointed Board and shall:(1) Provide free basic public library service to all residents in the library's legal service area (LSA) consistent with South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(2) Provide remote access to statewide data bases coordinated by the South Carolina State Library.(3) Provide an adequate level of service, either through county library systems or through regional library systems.(4) Adopt an annual budget with balanced proportions among personnel (65% - 70%), information resources (15% - 20%), and maintenance (10% - 20%).(5) Employ in professional and preprofessional positions librarians meeting the certification requirements of the South Carolina State Library and meeting the staffing standards consistent with the South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(6) Systematically acquire library materials consistent with a collection development policy approved by the local board.(7) Adopt a long-range plan that provides reasonable access to all library services to all residents in the library's service area consistent with South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(8) Provide at least one library in the system that is open and provides on site access consistent with South Carolina Public Library Standards published by the South Carolina State Library.(9) Supply the South Carolina State Library with such statistics and information as it may from time to time request.(10) Have the financial records of the library audited annually by a certified public accountant and furnish the South Carolina State Library with a copy of the audit report.(11) Notify the South Carolina State Library of official public library board appointments within 30 days of appointment.(12) Invite the South Carolina State Library Director or designee to one board meeting annually.E. The South Carolina State Library is authorized to waive regulations upon petition by a library system for a period not to exceed one year.Amended by State Register Volume 24, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 2000.