The results of an important study reported in Minnesota Public Libraries Return on Investment
are now available. Copies of the report are available from your regional library system or may be downloaded.
The study was completed over a two-year period by the University of Minnesota Duluth through the Labovitz School's Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER).
One of the findings reports that 68.9% of respondents to a statewide survey feel that libraries are important to have in every community. The study also estimates the total financial impact of public library services at more than $366 million.
Other questions the study sought to answer include:
- Do respondents feel that if libraries need additional resources to continue, those should come from user fees and/or reduced services or taxes?
- How much would the average household be willing and able to donate to libraries?
- What is the dollar return on investment in public libraries, as funded by Minnesota taxpayers?
Jim Skurla, BBER Director, will present the ROI study results at two public session on:
- Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the St. Cloud Public Library from 10 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
- Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Ramsey County Library, Roseville, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon.
The Minnesota Library Return on Investment report was made possible with funds from the Arrowhead Library System
ROI grant from the IMLS, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning, along with State Library Services, the Minnesota state library agency, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.