What's with all the public libraries in Ottawa?

I’m from Ottawa, Canada’s Capital and wondered if other Cities are facing the issue of public libraries bloat. Why must we have so many public libraries? Is this the best use of public funds? I’ve heard arguments of community center, geographical issues etc. Are we using these libraries or do we just think this is a good idea? Let’s look at the facts.

We have a total of 33 physical locations (public libraries) plus a bookmobile. I’m not exactly sure what a bookmobile does – library on wheels? We also have 202 elementary schools, 59 high schools, 2 community colleges, 3 universities – I’m guessing these 266 physical institutions have libraries for the students (or am I off base here?). So who is the target market for the 33 public libraries? Students? Pretty sure most students use the school library and generally avoid any library like the plague. Adults? Possibly, but adults have more resources at there disposal including the internet as well as 4 major bookstores in town.

I used to go to the Nepean library (one of the cities largest public libraries) but now with Internet access I can look up just about anything, any time. Over the last few years I just stopped going. Just about everyone I survey on this issue has the same view.

I’m not totally against libraries. I do think they serve the public but I’m willing to consider trade-offs especially in light of future trends. I for one am willing to consider a few big libraries (like 3 – one central, one east and one west) and look at improving Internet access for Ottawa citizens. Why? Because there is a lot more value in a large library then there is in a small library with limited selection. I actually might go to the library if the chances of finding what I want was high. Secondly with good internet access you will be able to find just about anything you want and wouldn’t it be nice if the Ottawa Public Library built a website where you can search for a book on line and reserve it? So invest in the right library search engine for Ottawa citizens instead of more brick and mortar. The city could give rebates for internet access to encourage using that medium. There are a lot of ideas here.

Ottawa is supposed to be the high tech capital and yet we keep throwing up public libraries like Tim Horton franchises – the difference is that City doesn’t make any money on public libraries. Is anyone in the City thinking about this?

By the way, the greater Toronto area has 5 million people versus one million in Ottawa. By that logic Toronto should have 5 times 33 or 165 libraries. Well they actually have 99 physical public libraries (I still think too much) and a great web site with a real library portal where you can actually search for a book – what a thought?

Please no more library bricks and mortar, it’s the 21 century.