Optimization of all libraries is a losing battle. Better have lots of well used libraries, which then have budgets for larger collections and more collaboration

Optimization of all libraries is a losing battle. Better have lots of well used libraries, which then have budgets for larger collections and more collaboration. Part of a well used library is community support and a collection that serves the communities needs. This leads to bigger budgets, and so on. A public library is there to serve its community. Participating in ILL is part of that mission, so reciprocating is also necessary. But the library has to optimize for its customers first and others second.