Job issues - libraries and their place in the authority
A vision is needed that can be sold to Chief Executives to convince them of the true value of Web services (and librarians’ contribution).
Problems commonly encountered with central IT services which expect to take over successful library Web sites and often place unworkable restrictions on other software. But library automation systems are dumped back on the library as being of no interesting to IT shops or FM suppliers of IT facilities.
Low status and priority for libraries in many authorities affects ability to deliver. Conflicting priorities can divert resources away from libraries now charged with supporting and delivering key services such as Web sites. In rural authorities there is a problem getting maintenance support over distance, and a general problem about maintenance at weekends when only libraries are open.