Measuring your library's value : how to do a cost-benefit analysis for your public library

Under pressure to quantify the benefits your library provides? Is a cost-benefit analysis right for your institution? With tax-funded organizations under microscopic scrutiny, library directors need to make a strong public case for the value their library provides.
Measuring Your Library's Value, designed to serve large to medium sized public libraries, gives librarians the tools to conduct a defensible and credible cost-benefit analysis (CBA). This hands-on reference covers the economic basics with librarian-friendly terms and examples, preparing library leaders to collaborate with economist-consultants. Library directors and trustees: Reflect whether a CBA is the way to go -- using checklists addressing the pros and cons Gain confidence to customize the process by viewing survey design elements step-by-step Learn how to calculate the value a community receives from library services Access proven examples for communicating what different community stakeholders need to hear
Authored by members of the team that developed, tested, and perfected this methodology for over a decade, Measuring Your Library's Value is based on research funded by IMLS and PLA. Now you can credibly measure the dollars and cents value your library provides to your community.