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 investment The greater the benefit s “These findings provide a strong basis for arguing for increased levels of funding for public library services.”

Return on investment for every $1 ACT4.1 New South Wales3.2 Northern Territory2.0 Queensland2.3 South Australia2.6 Tasmania2.0 Victoria3.6 Western Australia2.6 Australia total2.9

Jobs supported by libraries ACT760 New South Wales11780 Northern Territory190 Queensland4480 South Australia3500 Tasmania590 Victoria7730 Western Australia1920 Australia total30950

Economic stimulus generated ACT75m New South Wales1307m Northern Territory31m Queensland426m South Australia299m Tasmania49m Victoria649m Western Australia340m Australia total3176m