New Public Library Director Information and Resources: Information for Directors New to South Carolina

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South Carolina Library Grants, LSTA Funds, E-Rate Funding
South Carolina Library Laws
Library Governance, Standards and Statistics
Library Directory, Newsletters and More

South Carolina Library Grants and Funding

State Aid to Libraries

• State aid provides additional funding for public libraries to assist them in providing basic levels of service to South Carolina citizens. Funds may be used for salaries, collections and some operating expenses.

For more information, visit the State Aid to SC Public Libraries section.

• The State Laws that govern how State Aid can be used can be found Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976. Vol. 26, Rules and Regulations R75-1.
• Library Budget Worksheet:  Use this worksheet to help allocate State Aid and local funds.  Eligible expenditures of State Aid are outlined.

LSTA Funds

• The South Carolina State Library funds projects and services through LSTA funding provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act.

In each Federal fiscal year, a new grant program is designed to meet the needs of South Carolina citizens through programs delivered by the State Library and public libraries.

Visit the LSTA section for:

• Information about LSTA grant programs
• Applications and forms for subgrants
• LSTA legislation, plans, reports and evaluation

E-Rate Funding

• The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Schools and Libraries program, also known as the E-rate program, makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries in America. Congress mandated in 1996 that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) use the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) to provide discounted eligible telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries.

If you have any questions regarding the E-Rate program or the South Carolina State Library's role in facilitating E-Rate funding for South Carolina public libraries, contact Public Library E-Rate Coordinator Paula James, (803) 734-8917.

Visit the E-Rate section for more detailed information about the program.

South Carolina Library Laws

• Read South Carolina Code of Laws Title 4 Chapter 9 Section 4-9-35: County public library systems; boards of trustees.
• Check out the Laws, Regulations and Attorney General's Opinions
• Library Boards of Trustees must follow the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Title 30 Chapter 4), and they must adhere to Title 60 Chapter 4: Confidential Library Records in regards to Open meeting law and Public access to government documents.
• The Certification Program for South Carolina Public Librarians was formalized in 1962 and is governed by State Law (Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976. Vol. 26, Rules and Regulations R75-2).
• Laws related to the South Carolina State Library (Title 60).

Library Governance, Standards and Statistics

• Read South Carolina Code of Laws Title 4 Chapter 9 Section 4-9-35: County public library systems; boards of trustees.
• Review the South Carolina Public Library Standards and Guidelines
• Look at the Statistics provided by the South Carolina State Library or contact Kathy Sheppard at ksheppard@statelibrary.sc.gov for more information.
• Review the requirements and find the forms for South Carolina's Public Librarian Certification Program. The Certification Program for South Carolina Public Librarians was formalized in 1962 and is governed by State Law (Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976. Vol. 26, Rules and Regulations R75-2).

Continuing Education and More Newsletter

• South Carolina State Library provides continuing education, staff development and training courses to library staff and public library trustees throughout South Carolina.
• Read current and back issues of the State Library More Newsletter.

• "Public Library Directors 101" is a four-part video series designed by state librarians, library development directors, and continuing education coordinators around the question, "What do public library directors tell us they wish they had known when they started their job?"

  These videos are provided by COSLA, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and are a valuable resource for new library directors and even those thinking about becoming directors. Use the Learner Guide provided with the course to capture your thoughts and ideas about your learning and next steps.