Confirming the value of Latvian public libraries Smart, sustainable and inclusive access to knowledge in times of austerity

Why quantify the value of public libraries?

Value of Latvian public libraries Page 3

Quantification of benefits by public libraries

21 324 319

16 784 003

13 801 600

7 919 156 9 326 347 9 943 745

2008 2009 2010

Annual budget, LVL Number of visits

► Libraries are ever more important during the times of

austerity. What benefits do they bring?

Our findings

Value of Latvian public libraries Page 5

Monetary benefits

► Direct net annual benefit of public library system in Latvia

6 470 030 LVL (on average 9 216 566 EUR)

► Annual indirect benefits to the economy 9 890 423 LVL

2 494

7 266

9 650

6 470

0

2 000

4 000

6 000

8 000

10 000

12 000

2008 2009 2010

Thousands

Change in the net benefits of public libraries (WTP data, thousand LVL)

Value of Latvian public libraries Page 6

Benefit-cost ratio of library services

► Traditional and ICT

services generate

much of the value of

public libraries

0,12

0,27

0,33

0,39

0,42

0,49

0,79

0,88

1,42

1,45

3,04

5,77

Services for disabled users

Scanning

Reference services

ICT consultations

Public events

ICT training classes

Printing

Photocopying

Lending

Reading room

Use of PCs and Internet

Exhibitions

Average B/C

ratio for

libraries 1,37

Value of Latvian public libraries Page 7

Non-monetary benefits

► Users find libraries to be space for gathering, networking,

education and culture

► Libraries are perceived positively – they improve quality

of life, encourage education and culture and provide a

chance to save money

► Libraries improve information flow and access to

education, as well as reduces unemployment

Thank you!

Confirming the value of Latvian public libraries

Dr. sc.ing Renāte Strazdiņa

Executive Director