A report on a three-year project to assess the economic value of public libraries in Victoria which aims to provide a clear justification for the continued support of Victorian public libraries by all levels of government.

It finds that $36 per capita is spent on public libraries in Victoria each year. This is less than a family of four would spend on one trip to the cinema, but for this sum, the public can enjoy free books, films, music, newspapers and magazines all year round, as well as programs, activities, computer access, expert help and a welcoming community space.

According to the cost benefit assessment, Victorian public libraries return $3.56 for every $1 spent. 

Key findings

• Two-thirds (67%) of the population were members of a public library.
• Library customers estimated that they would have to spend an average of $364 per year to access library services from private businesses; 69% said they would have spent over $100.
• Non-users were prepared to pay $55 per year on average, compared with $72 per year among library customers.
• Libraries were widely perceived to contribute to local culture through relevant collections (74% strong agreement) and local history collections (71% strong agreement).
• Many people made no suggestions for improved services. Suggestions focused on: wider range of loan items (10%); longer opening hours (6%); keep up-to-date with media and books (5%); and raise awareness of library services (4%).
• Non-users placed more emphasis on the need for libraries to communicate their services more widely.