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Libraries...the fourth R State Library of Queensland 18 th Sept 2012. The Library Dividend Socio-economic research on the value of Queensland public libraries Andrew McDougall SGS Economics & Planning. Outline of Presentation. Project objectives Project framework Project methodology
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Libraries...the fourth R State Library of Queensland 18th Sept 2012 The Library Dividend Socio-economic research on the value of Queensland public libraries Andrew McDougall SGS Economics & Planning
Outline of Presentation Project objectives Project framework Project methodology Survey results Case study results Queensland results Conclusions
Key Project Objectives Expand understanding of the value of public libraries Prove that public libraries contribute economic benefit to the community Equip public library managers with tools for assessing value Equip public library managers with advocacy materials
Framework Elements • Do public libraries provide a net benefit to the Queensland community? • How much economic activity do libraries induce in their local economies? • Content that brings numbers to life and aids advocacy efforts Cost Benefit Analysis Benefits Less Costs Equals Net Benefits Economic Impact Analysis Direct stimulus Plus indirect (flow ion effects) Total induced economic activity Qualitative Insights
EIA - Measurement Techniques Direct Impacts • Recurrent costs of operations • Triggered user expenditures Indirect Impacts Total Impacts • Local employment • Local value added • Local output
Library user survey...selected quotes “The range of materials, the comfortable surroundings and the friendliness and helpfulness of staff.” “I love the mix of people it attracts all ages from all walks of life; I love that it promotes community.” “The library is an amazing place to go, staff are always friendly, and the atmosphere makes me feel at home. I can read a book and before I know it 2 hours have passed. I like libraries.”
Library user survey...selected quotes “We moved from overseas with very little and the library was fantastic, both for resources and helping us integrate into the community.” “I live a long way out of town so it is also a good mutual place to meet.” “Libraries have been an important part of both my education and my life”
Library user surveys...dollar values Financial savings $395 per annum Contingency valuation $52 per annum Worth more, but capacity to pay limited Travel costs Travel 7.8km to get to library Spend 37 minutes in library Triggered expenditures $55 per annum due to library use $19.70 spent elsewhere each visit
Household (non-user) survey...perceived characteristics
Household (non-user) survey...selected quotes “ “Libraries. Wouldn't be without them!” “Libraries act as a hub where community members can come together not only for social activities but to pursue personal interests and continue on their path of lifelong learning.” “The library is a place where all people can go and have access to resources and be treated the same”.
Case studies...common issues • Insufficiency of funding • Managing rising community expectations • Keeping abreast with and training staff in emerging technologies • Attraction and retention of quality staff • Promotion of service offering to enable maximise community awareness/ use
Queensland results...EIA $614 million in Queensland income $295 million in Queensland value added 3,135 full time equivalent Queensland jobs
Conclusions • Libraries contribute significantly to community welfare & economic activity. They provide a sound return on investment. • Numbers are robust, disciplined & appropriately informed. • Both Queensland library users and non-users appreciate the contributions made by libraries. • Queensland community is largely satisfied with library services; suggested improvements revolve around the deepening of existing services.