The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces

Earlier this year, Civica, in collaboration with the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, released the new edition of their Changing Landscape Report: The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces. This edition expands the research outside Australia and New Zealand to include Singapore and the UK.  The report Read More…

Worth Every Cent and More: An independent assessment of the return on investment of health libraries in Australia (2013)

This study was commissioned by Health Libraries Inc and Health Libraries Australia, a national group of the Australian Library and Information Association. The study was conducted by SGS Economic and Planning in 2013. Snippet: The partners commissioned award-winning firm SGS Economics and Planning to survey health libraries across the nation and from this to assess Read More…

National Welfare & Economic Contributions of Public Libraries (2013)

This report was prepared by SGS Economics & Planning on behalf of the Australian Library and Information Association. Snippet: Cost-Benefit Assessment Based on the information provided across all jurisdictions, the total annual cost of public libraries across Australia is $1.03 billion. Public library staffing is consistently the largest individual cost category across all jurisdictions. Using Read More…

The Library Dividend Summary Report: A guide to the socio-economic value of Queensland’s public libraries (2012)

This report was conducted by SGS Economics and Planning for the Library Board of Queensland, Australia, in September 2012. Snippet: For every $1 invested in Queensland Public Libraries they deliver $2.30 value to the community. New independent research commissioned by State Library of Queensland on behalf of public libraries proves and quantifies the value of Read More…

Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries (2011)

This is an independent report by SGS Economics and Planning for the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network, Australia. Snippet: Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries is a major three-year project to assess the economic value of public libraries in Victoria. The results are described in this top-line summary, behind which lies a Read More…