Pundits and scholars alike agree that we live in the Information Era, that we've become a knowledge society, and that we're entering the conceptual age. Knowledge is a valuable commodity. Access to information is one of the most powerful economic development resources we have. Yet, The Gazette's Oct 8. Our View, "Checking out?" questioned 'the value of local library service and the future of publicly supported libraries. I'd like to "check In" on those issues.
Let's start with value. Nationwide, independent studies have shown that public libraries provide a great return on investment - typically four times as much in return as is expended. At Pikes Peak Library District, we benchmark ourselves, to be certain that we are providing the most efficient service possible. Our average cost per circulation is lower than typical libraries our size. When it is more financially efficient to do so, we outsource some aspects of our service - processing of materials, delivery service and janitorial services, for instance. We utilize the buying and sharing power: of consortia to get the best discounts and the-best return on investment for services. We are responsive to public needs and wants, and it shows in our public usage figures. We serve more than 3 million visitors annually. Our annual turnover rate (average times each item checks out) is higher than most libraries. In 2007, residents will have borrowed our materials
nearly 7 million times.
Read the entire article: http://www.lrs.org/documents/roi/paula_miller_ed.pdf
