How much are libraries worth?

An independent assessment of the return on investment of Australian

public libraries by SGS Economics

$$How much people save by using libraries

How much it costs to visit the library

How much people would be willing to pay for libraries

Calculating the value to the community

Library services and programs

Sense of place and local amenity

Environmental – re-use, recycling

Language and computer literacy

Improved education, career development and health outcomes

Social interaction

How people benefit from public libraries

Libraries activating the local economy

Public libraries create 30,950 jobs

Libraries spend $3.18 billion on products and services

Net annual benefit

$1.97 billion$2.90 for every $1

The greater the investmentThe greater the benefits

“These findings provide a strong basis for arguing for increased levels of funding for public library services.”

Return on investment for every $1

ACT 4.1New South Wales 3.2Northern Territory 2.0Queensland 2.3South Australia 2.6Tasmania 2.0Victoria 3.6Western Australia 2.6Australia total 2.9

Jobs supported by libraries

ACT 760New South Wales 11780Northern Territory 190Queensland 4480South Australia 3500Tasmania 590Victoria 7730Western Australia 1920Australia total 30950

Economic stimulus generated

ACT 75mNew South Wales 1307mNorthern Territory 31mQueensland 426mSouth Australia 299mTasmania 49mVictoria 649mWestern Australia 340mAustralia total 3176m