The secretary of state shall appoint a state librarian who shall administer the affairs of the Missouri state library under the rules and regulations of the secretary of state and who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state. The state librarian shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university, and be graduated from an accredited library school, and shall have library experience. The state librarian shall appoint the personnel in connection with the various activities of the state library, subject to the approval of the secretary of state. The provisions for appeals provided in section 36.390 for dismissals of regular merit employees shall apply to the employees of the state library, that all staffs presently employed must be transferred as regular state employees.