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The Library Research Service generates library statistics and research for library and education professionals, public officials, and the media. LRS reports and analyzes statistics on school, public, and academic libraries, and conducts studies on major library issues that are reported in the Fast Facts and Closer Look series. Topics of continuing interest to the LRS and its clients are the impact of school librarians on student achievement, public libraries and the use of web technologies, and the changing library workforce.

LRS is a unit of the Colorado State Library, which is an office of the Colorado Department of Education. Additionally, LRS works in partnership with the University of Denver Library, Morgridge College of Education, Library and Information Science Program to offer research fellowships to current MLIS students.

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LRS partners with the University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education Library and Information Science Program to provide Research Fellowships to current LIS students

LRS is part of the Colorado State Library

The Colorado State Library is a unit of the Colorado Department of Education

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

LRS Home -> Public-> Return on Investment

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Return on Investment for Public Libraries

Public Libraries - A Wise Investment

Final Report (1.34MB pdf file)

Individual Reports for Participating Libraries

Study-Related Information and Resources

Personal ROI Calculator: Calculate your individual estimated Return on Investment
Library ROI Calculator: Calculate an estimated Return on Investment for your library
CAL Presentation: Powerpoint presentation of "Public Libraries - A Wise Investment" from 2007 Colorado Association of Libraries Conference
Questions for Key Informants: Approaches to use for key informant interviews during the study

Related Articles

"$1 Invested Yields $5 Return": Article in Douglas County News-Press, written by Douglas County Libraries Director Jamie LaRue
"Libraries are Essential in the Information Era": Editorial in Colorado Springs Gazette, written by Pikes Peak Library District Executive Director Paula Miller
"Fort Morgan library returns $8.80 for every $1 spent": Article from the Fort Morgan Times

Links to Related Information and Resources

What Have Other Studies Found?: Compilation of results from similar studies in public libraries in the United States
Articles and Studies Related to Library Value: Web Page from the American Library Association detailing other studies and articles about Return on Investment
Calculators from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine: Cost Benefit and ROI Calculator; Valuing Library Services Calculator