Transcript Logging the Benefits - VVL: Victoria's Virtual Library

Logging the Benefits
LBC Report No 2. November 2004
Measuring the
benefits of public
libraries
Characteristics of Libraries
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Many service points
Long opening hours
Used by more than half the population
What is the value of libraries:
 To
individuals ?
 To
the community?
High Value placed on libraries by
non-users as well as users

In Regional Libraries Syndicate Survey 76% of
all respondents gave libraries score of 10/10
for importance to the community

Even 58% of non-users gave score of 10/10
Measurement of value
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Focus groups – users and non- users
Online Survey – 8600 responses
Telephone Survey – 400
Community leader interviews - 35
Profile of Users
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Time rich/income poor
Mothers and children
Primary school children
“Heavy readers”
Self-directed learners
Frequency of use

Library users visit often – 76% of online survey
respondents came at least once a fortnight.
Libraries are an important community meeting
place
Services used

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88% mainly to borrow books
Half used a/v material
Half borrowed magazines
Almost half used Internet or computers
More than 10% attended programs or activities
Who are the non users?
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27% of population who don’t need them – buy
their own books and have their own information
resources
13% of population who don’t use libraries but
who could benefit.
Benefits of libraries to individuals

Access to information
Skill development

Recreation and enjoyment

Benefits of libraries to community
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Social interaction
Promoting social inclusion
Bridging the generation gap
Providing a focal point
Estimating the monetary value
Estimates were:
$500 per year for light users
$4,000 per year for heavy book users
$7,000-$10,000 per year for heavy users of all
resources
What libraries do well
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Variety of books and other materials- reflecting
needs of community
Customer service – friendly and helpful staff
What we could do better
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Improved rural access
Quality and location of buildings
Currency of materials
Longer opening hours
More outreach activities
More computer access
Better services for disabled
More services for young people
Future Roles
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Community hub and learning centre
Support for the information economy – a
gateway to information for all
Dissemination of government information –
local and state
Supporting lifelong learning
Realising the Potential
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Review of funding
Staff training – taking on board new roles
Technology – continuing renewal
Communication and consultation
Developing strategic partnerships
Improving image and location
LBC – A Marketing exercise
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To funding bodies – show them our potential
To staff – encourage them to understand and
embrace new roles
To the public – making the most of this
resource