Hello Library Land:
 
Indiana recently completed a study of the market value of its public
libraries.  There have been numerous similar studies but this one really
seems to have been better constructed than others in terms of how it
calculated the dollar values of circulation, reference, computer use,
programs, meeting room use, etc.
 
For example, instead of using the average retail price of an adult book
and multiplying by circulation, Indiana used the "market value" of that
book - what the general public might be expected to pay for a title if
purchasing a used copy via Amazon.  I think this is a much more accurate
methodology.
 
Using the Indiana study, I think you'll be surprised at how much
economic benefit your libraries have as libraries and how much your
libraries contribute to the economic development of your communities.
This is a 90 page study but it's well worth the time spent reading and
who can argue against reading?
http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/studies/EconomicImpactOfLibraries_2007.pdf 
 
Enjoy!
 
Dean
 
 
 
Dean Corner
 
Director of Reader and Information Services
Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0064
207-287-5604
207-287-5615 fax