The presence of two national libraries is an obstacle to the exercise of leadership. A single national library will have a less ambivalent status and will be in a stronger position to display leadership. Combining the existing two national libraries will effect economies of scale and make possible optimal utilisation of their limited resources. Some rationalisation of activities will be possible, which should permit the redeployment of resources to functions and tasks which cannot at present be carried out effectively. A single national library will make possible the redeployment of staff between the existing institutions, creating greater career mobility within the institution.
Options range from a loose confederation to a fully unitary institution.
The second question concerns the location of the new institution. Location on one site, on the premises of the State Library in Pretoria. Location on one site, in a centre other than Cape Town or Pretoria. From discussion of this question in the existing national libraries consensus emerged that a two-campus national library is preferred. The provision of expanded premises in either of the two cities would in all likelihood entail a significant delay and much uncertainty.