Combined the KPL and WPL

[Brenden]

Why do we have the Kitchener Public Library and the Waterloo Public Library, do you not think there would be a lot of cost savings by combining these Library, keeping the same amount of branches just with a larger network. I would love to see it taken one step further, combined the KPL, WPL, WRDSB and WCSB (school boards libraries) into one network.

[DHLawrence]

And Cambridge Libraries. If the public libraries can't be amalgamated, they should at least have a shared circulation system like UW, WLU, and UG have.

[Brenden]

Yes Cambridge as well. There would still be main branches in each city, no need to build one big library, It just seems like a good idea to share resources.

[KevinL]

There already is some sharing - if you've ever booked a reserve yourself at KPL or WPL you know they share a catalogue/member system. It's down to each city's instinct to keep a unique identity, I think; it's how the merger-talk referendum failed last election, and it's why things like fire departments are still separate.

[garthdanlor]

As far as I know, KPL and WPL use the same library automation software (from Innovative Interfaces), and I believe the servers from both libraries are housed at (or by) the KPL. Both the Cambridge and Regional (WRL) libraries use different platforms. I'd expect to see a merger of the 4 local public library systems at some time though I think (as in other areas) we might see the most opposition to this coming from Cambridge. I'm not sure that we would see the school board libraries included in such a merger, but there certainly has been some increased cooperation in recent years.

[Greg Moore]

I'd expect to see a merger of the 4 local public library systems at some time...Waterloo does not think that should be discussed.:RpS_rolleyes:

[Waterlooer]

Grand River Library, Kitchener/Waterloo Public Library, what would it be called?

[Brenden]

Grand River Library, Kitchener/Waterloo Public Library, what would it be called?
One step at a time, but most likely Waterloo Region Public Library

[TripleQ]

Didn't the head librarian get fired over something related to this?

[KevinL]

One step at a time, but most likely Waterloo Region Public Library

'Region of Waterloo Library' is the existing name (http://www.rwl.library.on.ca/en/)of the service run in the townships, so a new name might be best to give the new institution a proper distinction.