On June 9, the NLS and OWLS Merger Exploration Committee held its first meeting. Composed of system directors, system board presidents, and two library directors from each system, this team is tasked with researching the critical questions surrounding a potential merger. Ultimately, the committee will gather information, seek input, and make a final recommendation on whether moving forward is the best path. For a deeper look at the roadmap, you can review the Process Phases.
During this first meeting, the committee unanimously approved two guiding frameworks:
- Project Principles: These will anchor the committee’s daily collaboration, decision-making, and operational success.
- The Value Proposition: This articulates the “why” behind this effort, defining the clear benefits a merger should deliver.
Together, these foundations prioritize our members and the people and communities they serve and the system staff who are such important resources. These documents will streamline our research and serve as the ultimate benchmarks for evaluating the merger’s potential impact. We highly encourage you to read both documents on our webpage.
Stay Connected and Engaged
We are fully committed to a transparent, welcoming process, and we want to hear from our broader community, including library staff, directors, trustees, and county decision-makers.
Here is how you can stay informed and participate:
- Visit the Webpage: Check our dedicated process page for meeting agendas, materials, and regular updates.
- Reach Out via Email: Send your thoughts and questions to the committee at mergerexploration@owlsweb.org.
- Join the Conversation: Bring your questions to upcoming member director meetings, system board meetings, or check-ins with your system director.
- Attend a Committee Meeting: All meetings are virtual and open to the public. Our next session is scheduled for June 23, 2026, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM.