| The century old consensus regarding the value of public library services is increasingly |
| questioned. Rising costs, anti-government sentiments, accountability demands, on-line |
| materials delivery, an increasingly individualistic and commercial society, and reduced |
| public funding combine to challenge libraries to clearly define their services, respond to |
| public demands and justify their very existence! |
| Libraries need to build upon their historical strengths to clearly define the value they |
| provide, measure ongoing progress and actively promote their value. |
| Libraries deserve public support because they deliver value: |
| 1) Economic ROI of 200%+ compared with 10% returns for private capital. |
| 2) Near-zero incremental cost personal growth with positive spillover benefits to the |
| community, leading to an improved quality of life for all citizens. |
| 3) Libraries support the effectiveness of our democratic society, building universal |
| literacy, access to education, information and interaction opportunities. |
| 4) Libraries serve as a physical embodiment of the community’s belief in itself. |
| 1) Economic Returns |
| Materials can be used 30 times, rather than once. |
| Materials in all categories achieve targeted usage rates. |
| Services ensure that all age, socio-economic status and geographical groups benefit. |
| Higher cost materials providing value to many patrons. |
| Lower demand materials are used by many individuals, schools and libraries. |
| Librarians maintain specialized knowledge of value to patrons. |
| Materials are professionally selected to be of highest value to patrons. |
| Short-term demands and long-term portfolio needs are balanced. |
| Libraries deliver highest demand services, creating a community asset. |
| 2) Personal Growth Gains |
| Access to individual paced personal and career growth materials. |
| Develop a love of reading and learning in all students. |
| Facilitate an interest in life-long learning in adults. |
| Access to life-long professional growth. |
| Opportunities to explore materials of interest. |
| Opportunities beyond areas of mastery to explore diverse topics and cultures. |
| Provide adults with introductions, exploration and mastery level experiences beyond |
| careers, professions and economic progress. |
| 3) Civic Benefits |
| Develop general, economic and political literacy. |
| Materials represent all sides of public policy issues. |
| Promote the core views of the American public, educating immigrants. |
| Offer diverse viewpoints, encouraging the general public to consider their views. |
| Sophisticated access to all materials and viewpoints. |
| Historical and contrary viewpoints on current issues to ensure full consideration. |
| Training and experience to evaluate claims from proponents of all views. |
| Encourage low income/resource individuals to use the library for personal growth. |
| 4) Community Benefits |
| Spaces for community meetings. |
| Promotion of personal and community growth. |
| Common learning experiences unite diverse elements of society. |
| Opportunities for volunteers, donors, advisors, respondents and citizens. |
| Opportunities for intergenerational interaction. |
| A positive view of the future through progress. |
| Summary |
| Libraries face threats to their public funding. By adapting programs, delivering value |
| and informing the public, libraries can continue to fill their vital value added role for |
| society. |
Good News 