(a) In reviewing applications, as part of establishing the priorities set forth in Section 19994 the board shall consider all of the following factors:
(1) Needs of urban and rural areas.
(2) Population growth.
(3) Age and condition of the existing library facility.
(4) The degree to which the existing library facility is inadequate in meeting the needs of the residents in the library service area and the degree to which the proposed project responds to the needs of those residents.
(5) The degree to which the library’s plan of service integrates appropriate electronic technologies into the proposed project.
(6) The degree to which the proposed site is appropriate for the proposed project and its intended use.
(7) The financial capacity of the local agency submitting the application to open and maintain operation of the proposed library for applications for the construction of new public libraries.
(b) If, after an application has been submitted, material changes occur that would alter the evaluation of an application, the State Librarian may accept an additional written statement from the applicant for consideration by the board.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 726, Sec. 1. Approved in Proposition 14 at the March 7, 2000, election.)