Value of a public library

The Economic Impact of Libraries in Indiana

The Indiana State Library commissioned the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to measure the economic benefits of Indiana’s public libraries. In contrast to most other studies that have attempted to measure the economic impact of public libraries, this study also focused on the role that public libraries play in supporting business and economic development in their communities.

*Approximately 6.05 million Hoosiers lived within a library district in 2005, which means that the market value of library services per capita would amount to roughly $104.09.  Of course, local taxes are the primary means of support for public libraries.  As a result, any analysis of their value must take into account the public "investment: that makes them possible. Ultimately, this results in $2.38 in benefits for  each dollar of library expenditures. 

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