(b) Priority will be given as follows:

1. (1) Public libraries eligible for State Aid whose personnel are employed as library directors;
2. (2) Public libraries eligible for State Aid whose personnel are employed in positions other than library director; and
3. (3) Public libraries not eligible for State Aid but recognized by the Arkansas State Library as public libraries.

(c)

1. (1) The applying institution, or its governing body, must be able to accept and administer the scholarship on behalf of the employee.
2. (2) Applying institutions may neither add to nor subtract from the scholarship eligibility requirements imposed on the employee.

(d) Individuals upon whose behalf the library is applying must meet the following standards:

1. (1) Unless employed as a library director and granted a waiver from the board, show evidence of completion of twelve (12) semester hours toward the master’s degree as evidenced by submitting an official transcript;
2. (2) Provide a copy of the agreement with the public library concerning employment in a public library for at least one (1) year after completion of the master’s degree;

3. (3)

   1. (A) After each semester, furnish proof of completion of coursework that shows the individual received a minimum course grade (based upon an “A – F” grading scale) of “B”, or if applicable, a “credit” for a credit/no credit course.
   2. (B) “Incompletes” do not qualify for reimbursement;
4. (4) Show evidence of conferral of degree by submitting an official transcript that indicates the date of conferral;
5. (5) Agree to remain employed by a public library in the state of Arkansas for a duration of one (1) year upon completion of degree; and

6. (6)

   1. (A) Complete all required coursework and obtain the master’s degree within three (3) years of acceptance to the scholarship program.
   2. (B) This requirement may be waived by written appeal to, and approval by, the board.