Librarians today need more technical expertise. Some jobs require non-librarian technical experts. For hard-core technology, expertise may have to come from outside the library. The library also needs to build up technical support staff. With staff turnover, some library assistant positions may become computer technician positions.
Computer security is a big operational issue.
Patrons have reconfigured software, for example. Because the library has been an early leader in technology, it has a large installed base of older software and equipment. Adjusting budgets to pay for technology and electronic collections is a challenge. The library has protected the book budget. In 1995, the library dropped microfilm periodicals, and some CD-ROM indexes when the text of journal articles became available online.