In 2006, the California Center for the Book conducted a statewide survey of public Library Programming. The survey had respondents from 148 Libraries, including 91 respondents from the seven systems represented in this project. Results of the survey found an overwhelming need for support of public programs including the need for prepackaged programs, discussion guides, bibliographies, and program ideas, directory of speakers with cost information, schedules, and a clearinghouse of program information. (See "Reaching out with Books," California Center for the Book.

A statewide meeting held in August 2006 brought together ClSA system representatives and State Library staff to discuss possible consolidation of systems. The meeting was held in San Jose and was facilitated by consultant Maureen Sullivan.

The August meeting included a general discussion of system, regional, and statewide efforts both past and current. Ms Sullivan confirmed the resolve of Library professionals from across the state that there is little need for or interest in reshaping ClSA Legislation or bureaucracy at this time. Instead, participants focused on ClSA regulations that Limit funding support to second‐Level reference, communications and delivery, and system advisory boards – services that have been waning since the Internet exploded and changed the face of information delivery. Meeting participants strongly supported moving beyond these dated ideas into current and future Library service trends. This strong mandate continued in the afternoon session as representatives from the four greater Bay Area systems participated in a 'fishbowl' exercise to more clearly define tangible benefits to increased cooperation. The representatives of the four systems ‐ now known as the "Fishbowl Group" ‐ had a follow‐up meeting in September. This was also facilitated by Ms Sullivan. Fishbowl Group identified common needs that would benefit members across system boundaries. Various needs were identified but One need that generated much energy in the group was shared programming. One of the ideas what to create a database site which included presenter information and ratings or presenters by librarians. The site would allow librarians to search for presenters by proximity, ratings, genre, and cost.