Overall, there were significant changes in the library’s spending priorities over the period. While renovation and upgrades took up the largest share in the first two years, by 2005, technology investments and new book acquisitions had become much more prominent.
In 1995, nearly half of the library’s budget (43%) was devoted to renovation and upgrades, making it the largest expenditure. Staff salaries accounted for just over a quarter (27%), followed by new book acquisitions (20%) and technology investments (13%). Only 7% was spent on miscellaneous items.
By 2000, the proportion for renovation and upgrades remained unchanged at 43%, while staff salaries rose slightly to 32%. However, spending on new books and technology decreased to 14% and 7% respectively, and miscellaneous expenses dropped to 4%.
In contrast, by 2005, there was a major shift in spending priorities. Technology investments increased dramatically to 27%, and new book acquisitions rose to 25%. Meanwhile, expenditure on renovation and upgrades fell sharply to 17%, and miscellaneous spending declined further to just 3%. Staff salaries remained fairly stable at 28%.