Return on Investment for Public Libraries

Public Libraries - A Wise Investment

Final Report (1.34MB pdf file)

Individual Reports for Participating Libraries

• Cortez Public Library
• Denver Public Library
• Douglas County Libraries
• Eagle Valley Library District
• Fort Morgan Public Library
• Mesa County Public Library District
• Montrose Library District
• Rangeview Library District

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

Act for Libraries Economic Impact Reports

Act for Libraries is a website designed to help all library advocates, from teens to trustees to town officials, strengthen their libraries and their communities.

Calculators from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine

Cost Benefit and ROI Calculator

Valuing Library Services Calculator