Craig Buthod reflected on the challenges that the Seattle Public Library is facing. The central library is cramped and will require extensive renovation for technology. A bond referenda for library facilities failed in 1994, but will be on the ballot again to provide funding for renovation or construction of a new central facility and to renovate and expand branch libraries. 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.