MS HB57

Allows boards of trustees in rural counties to revise the educational requirements for hiring a library system director to accept equivalent experience and a bachelor's degree in library science instead of qualifications prescribed by the Mississippi Library Commission.

Defines "rural county" as a county with a population less than 50,000, an area with less than 500 individuals per square mile, or a municipality with less than 15,000 individuals.

Maintains existing provisions requiring library system directors to have educational qualifications as prescribed by the Mississippi Library Commission, except for the alternative pathway created for rural counties.

Effective date is July 1, 2017.