Bill > H4045

This bill amends Section 4-9-36 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to modify the qualifications and credential requirements for county public library staff, specifically chief librarians. The bill removes previous restrictions that would have required chief librarians to be certified by the American Library Association (ALA) or hold a master's degree from an ALA-certified program. Instead, the bill stipulates that chief librarians must only meet the certification requirements set by the State Library Board. The chief librarian remains responsible for library administration and staffing, but county library boards are now prohibited from mandating or expressing a preference for ALA certification or an ALA-accredited master's degree. This change appears to provide more flexibility in hiring library leadership by broadening the potential pool of qualified candidates and allowing local library boards more discretion in their staffing decisions. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4045&session=126&summary=B