The Amsterdam Public Library and its staff is ready to welcome you with an exciting program.
In combination the city Amsterdam has a lot of special celebrations this year, especially the re-opening of the famous Rijksmuseum two weeks before the MetLib conference. A visit to its famous library is part of the Metlib 2013 program. To add to this, there is also the coronation of our new King, just a week before the MetLib conference.
So, many reasons to come to Amsterdam from May 5 to May 10. Be quick to register, to ensure a good place.
SAGE is conducting a research study to investigate library value in the developing world. The project, Library Value in the Developing World, will investigate the value of academic libraries for teaching and research staff at twelve institutions selected from countries classified by the World Bank as low income and middle income economies (ie with a GNI less than $4035).
For further information about this project please contact Nell McCreadie, Group Marketing Manager, SAGE at nell.mccreadie@sagepub.co.uk.
The Library Dividend: a guide to the socio-economic value of Queensland’s public libraries
State Library of Queensland September 2012
Australian Content
The Library Board of Queensland commissioned this study in 2011 to demonstrate the value of public libraries in our state. The fact that almost five out of every 10 Queenslanders are members of a public library speaks volumes about their value to individuals, families and communities.
Libraries and Economic Value: a review of recent studies
Roxanne Missingham,Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 142-158.
Abstract
Australian Content
This paper outlines the development of research into the value of libraries over the past decade. Recent studies using contingent valuation for the British Library, South Carolina Public Libraries, Florida Public Libraries and St. Louis Public Libraries are summarised both in terms of methodology and findings. Studies into two national bibliographic services ( Canada and New Zealand) are reviewed to demonstrate the application of value studies to specific services. Discussion of the contingent valuation studies focuses on comparing the results and to determine how the results could be interpreted to understand whether the libraries provided a positive return on investment. Consideration is then given to alternative uses of the contingent valuation and potential areas for further research such as analysis of the optimum return on investment for libraries by sector or service.
Full Text: HTML
Sustaining communities: measuring the value of public libraries a review of research approaches
Jennifer Berryman, State Library of NSW for the Public Library Network Research Committee
Abstract
Australian Content
The NSW Public Library Network Research Committee has initiated a large scale research project to explore and then measure the contributions made by NSW public libraries to the communities they serve. This report is the first stage in a multi-stage research project and has been prepared as context within which to consider the issues facing public libraries seeking to demonstrate their impact and value.
Enriching Communities: the value of public libraries in NSW
Report by J L Management Services
Abstract
Australian Content
In November 2008 the State Library of NSW released the report “Enriching Communities: the value of public libraries in NSW”. The report, based on a research project involving analysis of library data and a series of surveys, provides clear evidence of the contribution and value that NSW public libraries make to their communities in terms of economic, environmental, social and cultural impact.
Value for money: best practice options for demonstrating return on Investment for libraries
Stephen Pugh Presented ALIA conference 2012
Abstract
Australian Content
The major trends in ROI for libraries is described and clarified. The implications of these trends are discussed. The result of the paper is a compendium of best practice methods comprising a toolkit that libraries may use in demonstrating value to stakeholders. The paper will confirm that demonstrating ROI or value for money is a growing trend that many libraries are ill-prepared to confront. The paper will conclude by showing libraries how
the best practice methods may be used selectively and in combination to produce, at minimum, an acceptable result for stakeholders such as funding bodies, administration, staff, users (patrons, students, researchers, academics) and the library’s wider community.
An independent report by SGS Economics and Planning for the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network
Abstract
Australian Content
Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries is a major three-year project to assess the economic value of public libraries in Victoria. The Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries project
was initiated in 2007. It followed on from the Libraries Building Communities research
published in 2005, and this latest project had three aims: To expand the understanding of the value of public libraries in Victoria, To provide public library managers with the means to calculate their specific contribution to the communities they serve and to advocacy materials to build their case for library funding.
An old tool with potential new uses: return on investment
Larry Nash White, Library Science and Instructional Technology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Abstract
New applications of the ROI assessment tool could provide library administrators with proactive means of increasing the effectiveness of library assessment, valuation, and their results. ROI investment has historically been used by libraries for the assessment of past performance of library organizations in a reactive/defensive nature or for assessing the value of customer services. ROI has not been widely used as a proactive assessment tool, to introspectively assess administrative or other internal services, or as an offensive assessment and valuation tool, especially for intangible performance assessment and valuation. New applications of the ROI assessment tool could provide library administrators with proactive means of increasing the effectiveness of library assessment, valuation, and their results.
Libraries and return on investment (ROI): a meta-analysis
Svanhild Aabø, (2009) “Libraries and return on investment (ROI): a meta-analysis”, New Library World, Vol. 110 Iss: 7/8, pp.311 – 324
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to show that the need to communicate the value of libraries is growing, and especially now during the global financial crisis. As a response library valuation research is expanding and there is now a need for a status report. The library valuation field is developing towards generating a critical mass of empirical studies. The focus of the meta-analytical review is on the subgroup that reports a return on investment (ROI) or a cost-benefit ratio. Meta-analysis is a quantitative analysis of findings of previous studies, conducted to infer general findings and lessons from prior empirical research. The dataset is 38 library valuation studies reporting a return on investment figure or cost-benefit ratio.
This study appears to be the first meta-analytical review of library studies reporting a return on investment figure. The tentative conclusion is that for each dollar invested in public libraries they return, on average, approximately four times more. This is a strong message with policy implications.
The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, communicating the value of your libraries
Glen Holt, Holt Consulting, St Louis, Missouri, USA
Abstract
Draws from research conducted to set up a conservative transportable cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methodology that could be applied to public libraries. The paper discusses the CBA-survey participant comments draws out the value themes that interviewees talked about as they answered various questions. There is a huge tendency in North America to talk about libraries as if they are secular churches and to impute spiritual values to them. This paper suggests that while library users may hold such feelings, that is not the first line of reasons for why they use their library.
Taxpayer Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries: Summary Report, State Library and Archives of Florida,
Griffiths, J, King, D, Tomer, C, Lynch, T & Harrington, J, USA, 2004
Abstract
The measurement of return-on-investment (ROI) has been applied to many different types of organizations and community resources. While common in the for-profit sector, the application of benefit/cost, cost-effectiveness, impact and return-on-investment measures to libraries has lagged behind considerably. Part of the difficulty has been in quantifying benefits from non-priced goods and services that can differ from use to use, user to user, as well as from library to library (as their mix of service offerings vary). In today’s climate of strained budgets and pressures for increased accountability and transparency, the need for clear and accurate statements of how public monies are allocated and used, and the resulting benefits or outcomes, is paramount in ensuring continued investment.
This Summary Report describes a comprehensive study to assess taxpayer return-on-investment in Florida’s public libraries. The study used a variety of data collection and analysis methods including the public library annual data reports, and an input-output econometric model (REMI). Public libraries allow users to share knowledge and services at a cost to them as taxpayers and in the time they spend using the libraries; however, all taxpayers in Florida benefit from the public libraries through their considerable contribution to education, the economy, tourism, retirement, quality of life, and so on. There are many ways to determine how
public libraries contribute to the State’s economy and how taxpayers achieve a return on their investment.
Making Cities Stronger: public library contributions to local economic development
Urban Libraries Council USA, 2007
Abstract
Public libraries are logical partners for local economic development initiatives that focus on people and quality of life. Libraries are widely available, highly regarded public institutions that provide a broad range of information services and support for diverse constituencies. Public access to digital information and technology is a draw for libraries. Their open structure, combined with the power of new digital collections and technology, position them to help communities make the transition from manufacturing and service economies to high tech and information economies.
Full text http://www.urbanlibraries.org/files/making_cities_stronger.pdf
The paper offers an alternative viewpoint regarding the effectiveness of some of the mainstream evaluation methods used to justify the value of public libraries.
Are public libraries worth their price?: A contingent valuation study of Norwegian public libraries
Svanhild Aabø
Abstract
The paper reports from a valuation study of the Norwegian public libraries, aiming to provide a better understanding of their total value, both use and non-use value, as viewed by the population. An objective was to explore whether or not the citizens found that their benefits outweighed the costs to provide them.
Hawkins, M., Morris, A. & Sumsion, J 2003, Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 13-27.
Abstract
The theory underlying the economic value of library benefits is outlined, and research (mainly in Australia and New Zealand) is reviewed. A UK research project examined four methods of assessing benefits in economic terms with particular attention to a consensus “market value” model. In developing the “market value” model one key variable is the relationship of book reads to book prices. A prototype value added schedule gives estimates of value for different library services to compare estimated total benefits with total costs. For UK public libraries, calculations show that the economic value of library benefits exceeds costs incurred, with social and intangible benefits in addition. New performance indicators are suggested by the research. It is shown how the methodology can be extended from public libraries to a parliamentary library and also to the economic and social costs of crime.
The authors observe that over the past decade, public library valuation researchers have adopted valuation methods from the field of economics that allow the library to put a dollar value on its programs and services and show efficient use of tax dollars in cost/benefit terminology. The field has grown from simple questionnaires to complex surveys, and from simple economic cost/benefit assessments to complex economic algorithms and forecasts.
The authors note it is important to recognise the more intangible social dividends, and to find ways to express and quantify learning values and cultural benefits. They observe that the concept of social return on investment (SROI) is gaining acceptance in the corporate world through tools such as the Balanced Score Card and triple-bottom-line reporting—which characterizes the social, financial, and enviro
The satellite conference will be held immediately prior to the World Library and Information Congress in Kpaipeda, Lithuania, 8-9 August, 2012
Conference Theme and Focus
Public Libraries have traditionally worked together to manage and share resources and information, and initiate cooperative projects. Developments in technology have allowed for even greater collaboration and the creation of new networks.
However the concept of a library is changing. If public libraries are to remain relevant to their ever more sophisticated users they have to constantly re-invent themselves; implementing new services, investigating collaborative arrangements and flexible staffing models.
In delivering quality services public libraries are active partners in networks at all levels, raising their profile with government and the community. Through these initiatives public libraries are positioning themselves as places where original ideas are born, hot discussions happen and like-minded persons meet each other.
Public libraries are places where users can creatively solve many problems; develop abilities and competencies; find ideas for their business; and support their interests, life-long learning and well-being. In summary they inspire, inform and entertain.
In today’s interconnected world no library operates in isolation. Through the growth of networks library users are at the centre of developing and sharing knowledge. Public Libraries can use this strength to advocate for their place as being necessary and irreplaceable.
General Themes
The conference organizers invite papers on the following issues:
Networked libraries – what do they look like?
What qualities do libraries need to have if they want to be part of a network?
What are the key elements of successful collaboration?
Looking ahead- new challenges and opportunities for networking
The Library as a ‘creative lab’ providing opportunities for users to discover, explore and connect
Collaboration and partnerships between public libraries and their communities
Participants will be invited to join in discussions, share best practice and network with colleagues attending this IFLA Satellite Meeting.
Target Audience
We welcome all librarians who are interested in the topic.
Proposals should include
Title of the presentation
Abstract of no more than 300 words
Author(s) name, professional affiliation, postal address, e-mail address
A brief biographical statement of no more than 50 words
Important Dates and Timelines
Your proposals should be sent no later than 15 March, 2012 to:
On behalf of IFLA, the Public Libraries Section chair Suzanne Payette warmly congratulates Silvia Stasselova and colleagues from the Slovak Librarians Association for recently completing the Slovak translation of the revised IFLA Public Library Service Guidelines.
Suzanne advised this was a very challenging piece of work and it contributes significantly to a number of IFLA’s strategies. This initiative will promote readership and application of the Guidelines for Public Libraries and build the strategic capacity of IFLA and that of its members.
The translation will be highly valued not only to our colleagues in Slovenia but also by library staff in the Czeck Republic. This translation will enable senior library staff to increase awareness among their decision makers of the key role libraries play in advancing the information and knowledge society.
These Guidelines will also provide a benchmark for emerging library services in particular to frame the development of their services to their communities and are a helpful tool for planning, refreshing or updating library services.
We are very proud of this work and the contribution our colleagues have selflessly made to our profession.
