Anecdotally, I would say that there is likely to have been a decrease, especially in terms of the West Block branch, which is a bit hard to find. It's not a space that you would necessarily walk by. We have an obligation to reach out to you and communicate where we are, what we can offer and how you can find us. I do know from speaking to the librarians assigned to that branch that it can be quite quiet there.
I don't know how many of you have had a chance to see the branch in the Senate of Canada building. It is right outside the cafeteria. It is a through space. Because one side is where people are eating their lunch, and the other side is the library branch, assessing traffic—how many people have come to the branch, and how many have gone for coffee—can be difficult. I think it lends itself physically to higher traffic, but we still need to build the knowledge of our branches, and why it's worth coming. Why does it matter?
One of the key things to remember is that we have two librarians on staff in those branches at all times. You can ask questions and consult with them. There are iPads you can take out. There are documents.
We're developing and implementing quite an active communication strategy. Some of you might know that we have an open house next week, where there will be special exhibits in each branch, to bring people in, because we're not getting the traffic that we need.
I'll now go to our reporting and tracking issue. Right now, we don't have reliable statistics on how many people are using our branches, and that's something I think we need to look at. Your point about 180 Wellington, Mr. Van Kesteren, is a really good one. It is a spectacular space that deserves to be used enormously. Again, because people don't necessarily know it's there, it doesn't get the use we want it to have.
I'm committed to increasing traffic, increasing use and making it a place you and your staff want to be. The Hill is a busy place. Sometimes, you just need a place you can go to have some quiet time for reflection. I know that's a hard thing to find time for in your lives. I would encourage you to use all of our branches for that. We are working to market those spaces for you.