Systems can get into trouble when they aren't sensitive to the tensions that exist between their roles and their constituents. Systems have too many obligations and lack focus. It's not uncommon to hear people from larger libraries say that systems exist to help small libraries. It's also not uncommon to hear people from small libraries say that systems provide services that are not relevant to their needs in small communities. I don't think so.
Systems can provide valuable services to libraries of all sizes.
However, I believe that these comments stem from the fact that systems lack focus. Systems are required to provide a laundry list of services to their members, whether or not their members want them or perceive them to be of any value and whether or not they have the resources available to do a good job in all areas. The many obligations of systems causes a dilution of resources that can result in an unfocused and mediocre service program. In an environment of limited resources, it is also difficult for systems to be responsive to needs expressed by members when they have to worry about addressing state mandated service requirements. We need to develop a model that will enable systems to pursue excellence, even if only in narrowly focused areas.