(1) Any library may request a waiver from the state librarian in writing by July 25th of each year.

(a) The state librarian may grant a waiver of any of the standards in ARM 10.102.1150E if:

(i) the library certifies that application of these standards would cause a hardship; and

(ii) provides a compliance plan by which the library will meet the standard(s) within three years.

(b) The state librarian shall notify the library requesting the waiver of the decision by letter by October 1.

(c) Any library may request a one-year extension of the waiver from the state librarian in writing by July 25th of each year. The library shall provide the state librarian with an updated compliance plan and a statement that the application of the standard will cause a hardship.

(d) The state librarian may grant an extension for one year only. No other extension is allowed.

(e) Any library that employs a director without a graduate degree in library or information science or its equivalent as of July 1, 2001 is exempt from ARM 10.102.1150E.