Value of Libraries: Texas Public Libraries Return on Investment Study Available

Texas Public Libraries Return on Investment Study Available

https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/librarydevelopments/?p=13917

“Did you know that for every $1.00 invested in public libraries around the state, Texans receive  $4.42 worth of library services and value in return?  Or that Texas public libraries provide over $2.4 billion dollars in economic benefit statewide?  Get more useful facts and information from the recently-completed study Texas Public Libraries: Economic Benefits and Return on Investment, available online now at https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/roi.

Libraries are encouraged to share the wealth of information the report provides with their local community.  Highlights of the report include many financial statistics, a survey of library directors, and estimated market values for various library services.  The study was prepared for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Texas, Austin.

Because the broader economic benefits libraries provide are greater than could be easily estimated, a large selection of library case profiles are also included in the report.  The profiles showcase the full breadth of Texas public libraries’ support to their communities, as well as highlight the significant role of  libraries in assisting job seekers and local entrepreneurs.”

Texas Public Libraries: Economic Benefits and Return on Investment

Prepared for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Bureau of Business Research IC² Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, December 2012

Public libraries in the State of Texas provide significant economic benefits for their communities. This report examines these economic benefits, and documents those activities which contribute to economic activities throughout all regions of Texas. In 2011 Texas public libraries collectively were found to provide $2.407 billion in benefits while costing less than $0.545 billion, a return on investment of $4.42 for each dollar invested.

Download the report in PDF format by clicking on the links below. The report is available in its entirety or by chapter.

• Full Report (7 MB, 224 pages)

Executive Summary

Chapter I – Introduction: Scope, Methodology, Limitations

Chapter II – Key Financial Statistics of Texas Public Libraries

Chapter III – Findings from Survey of Texas Public Library Directors

Chapter IV – Market Values of Library Services and Events

Chapter V – Case Profiles of Services and Collaborations

Chapter VI – Case Studies of Individual Library Economic Impacts

Chapter VII – Summary of Quantifiable Economic Impacts

Appendices

This study was funded with Library Services and Technology Act funds administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/sites/default/files/public/tslac/pubs/ROI_Final.pdf (223 page PDF)

Stephen