(a) The State Librarian shall consider applications for construction of new public library facilities submitted pursuant to Section 19993 in the following priority order:
(1) First priority shall be given to joint use projects in which the agency that operates the library and one or more school districts have a cooperative agreement.
(2) Second priority shall be given to all other public library projects.
(b) The State Librarian shall consider applications for remodeling or rehabilitation of existing public library facilities pursuant to Section 19993 in the following priority order:
(1) First priority shall be given to public library projects in the attendance areas of public schools that are determined, pursuant to regulations adopted by the board, to have inadequate infrastructure to support access to computers and other educational technology.
(2) Second priority shall be given to all other projects.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 726, Sec. 1. Approved in Proposition 14 at the March 7, 2000, election.)