I often get questions about the “Return on Investment [ROI]” for libraries.  While we have not contracted for a study to be conducted in Massachusetts, a search of ROI studies from other states shows that the average ROI for libraries is about $4.00:  http://www.lrs.org/public/roi/otherstudies.php

Here is the link to the American Library Association page that presents articles and studies related to ROI’s: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/ors/reports/roi.cfm

Here is the link to the Colorado Library Research Service page with additional information and resources for ROI’s:  http://www.lrs.org/public/roi/

Finally, here are a few links to various calculators that you can try out:

Calculators from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine:
Cost Benefit and ROI Calculator:       http://nnlm.gov/mcr/evaluation/roi.html
Valuing Library Services Calculator:  http://nnlm.gov/mcr/evaluation/calculator.html

Calculator from the Maine State Library:   http://www.maine.gov/msl/services/calculator.htm

Posted under Library Statistics, Uncategorized