The bill amends the requirements for the State Librarian and regional library system directors in Arkansas. For the State Librarian, it introduces provisions allowing work experience in library science to substitute for a master's degree from an accredited graduate school, provided this substitution is approved by the board. Additionally, it ensures that such substitutions do not disqualify the library from receiving state funds.

Similarly, the bill modifies the qualifications for regional library system directors, permitting work experience in library operations to replace the requirement for a master's degree from an accredited program, again subject to approval by the regional library system board of trustees. This change also includes a provision that ensures compliance with these new requirements will not affect the eligibility of regional library systems for state funding.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB181 V2 - 2-10-2025 11:16 AM: 13-2-204(b), 13-2-905(c)
Old version SB181 Original - 2-3-2025 01:54 PM: 13-2-905(c)
SB 181: 13-2-905(c)
Act 242: 13-2-204(b), 13-2-905(c)