South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 75 - SOUTH CAROLINA STATE LIBRARY
The South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 75, specifically addresses the South Carolina State Library. This chapter outlines the regulations related to the State Library's functions, particularly concerning state aid to public libraries and the certification of public librarians.
Here's a breakdown of the key sections within Chapter 75:
Section 75-1 - Use of State Aid Funds: This section details how public libraries can and cannot use funds received from the state. It specifies:
Permitted Uses: Funds can be used for employing certified professional and pre-professional librarians and staff, providing ongoing training and continuing education, securing outside expertise, purchasing library materials and equipment, and acquiring and operating bookmobiles and other public service vehicles.
Prohibited Uses: Funds cannot be used for rent for library buildings, purchase of land, construction or repairs to buildings, or operating expenses like utilities or janitor supplies.
Requirements for Receiving State Aid: Libraries must be legally established, administered by a legally appointed board, provide free basic public library service, offer remote access to statewide databases, maintain adequate service levels, adopt balanced annual budgets (with specific proportions for personnel, information resources, and maintenance), employ certified librarians, adopt a long-range plan, provide at least one library with on-site access, provide statistics to the State Library, have annual financial audits, notify the State Library of board appointments, and invite the State Library Director to one board meeting annually.
Maintenance of Effort: County library systems must maintain local financial support at a level not less than the amount expended in the second preceding year.
Section 75-2 - Certification Program for Public Librarians: This section establishes the requirements for the certification of public librarians in South Carolina. It outlines:
Certification Requirement: Public libraries serving populations of 10,000 or more must employ certified librarians and assistants in professional and pre-professional positions covered by State Aid and grant programs. Failure to comply can lead to the withholding of public funds.
Requirements and Types of Certificates:
Professional Certificate: Issued to graduates with an ALA-accredited graduate degree in library study and current full-time professional experience.
Provisional Professional Certificate: For library staff with less than three years of continuous full-time professional experience in a public library, valid for four years and exchangeable for a permanent certificate after three years.
Pre-Professional Certificate: Issued to those with a bachelor's degree and at least 18 semester hours in library science. It's initially valid for five years and renewable with continuous experience and additional coursework.
Provisional Pre-Professional Certificate: For those with a bachelor's degree, valid for three years and renewable with continuous experience and additional library science courses.
Exemption of Positions: The South Carolina State Library may, at its discretion, grant exemptions for library boards unable to find a properly certified librarian, especially for positions requiring unusual background.
Reciprocity: Allows for endorsement of librarian certificates issued by other states meeting South Carolina's standards.
Renewal of Certificates: Outlines the process for renewing Provisional and Pre-professional certificates.
In essence, Chapter 75 provides the regulatory framework for how public libraries in South Carolina operate, how they receive and manage state funding, and the professional standards for their staff.
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