Except when the county librarian is temporarily absent, no person shall serve in the position of county librarian under the title of acting county librarian, or assistant librarian in charge, or any other such title, unless the person meets the qualifications set forth in Section 19142.

In the event qualified candidates for the position of the county librarian cannot be found, the county supervisors shall secure a written permission from the State Librarian to appoint an unqualified person to the position. This written permission may be granted by the State Librarian for a period of time up to but not exceeding one year. The State Librarian may from time to time in his or her discretion renew the permit.