Ballarat, which gave 12 month's notice to withdraw from the corporation in June, has expressed ambitions to run its own regional library service and have the other councils buy in.

But CHLRC board chairman Tim Hayes, who is Hepburn Shire's representative on the board, said Ballarat had as yet failed to provide the kind of information that would inspire the other member councils to follow suit.

The library corporation board met last week in Hamilton to receive a progress report from Ballarat City's consultant.

"They actually didn't put anything on the table that would allow the other members of the corporation to decide whether to go with the city of Ballarat, go with other councils, or remain in the same corporation," Cr Hayes said.

"There was no financial information provided. There was no information on the level of service that would be provided.

"This is a bit of a concern. The clock is ticking away.

"Some decisions need to be made so there can be a smooth transition as of July 2011."

Cr Hayes said at the end of the meeting, the corporation resolved to remain as a six member corporation without Ballarat.

"At the same time we'll consider the City of Ballarat's model when it becomes available," Cr Hayes said.

The Library Corporation undertook a review last year and came up with three different options for future direction.

The second option, where councils would employ library branch staff directly, was agreed on by all councils except Ballarat.

"At the moment that's what we're continuing to pursue as a board," Cr Hayes said.

Ballarat City Council will have discussions with each of the member councils in coming months.

Cr Hayes said Hepburn Shire would also be meeting with the Goldfields Library Corporation, based in Bendigo.