Valuing library services : how public libraries in New Zealand measure and communicate the economic benefit value that they add to their communities and/or user groups

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine the ways in which public libraries in New Zealand demonstrate and communicate the economic benefits that they deliver to their user groups and/or communities. To achieve this aim, two electronic surveys were conducted - the first among managers of 73 New Zealand public libraries, and the second within economic development units of the territorial authorities where those libraries are located. The intent of both surveys was to identify what methodologies, if any, public libraries use to establish the economic benefits they deliver to their patrons, and how these are communicated or demonstrated to their primary funding body (the territorial authority) as well as to the communities those libraries serve. The survey questions were based on the four research objectives. These were determining: * how public libraries establish and/or measure the economic benefits that they deliver to their patrons * ways in which public libraries communicate the economic benefits they deliver * if territorial authorities require public libraries to establish economic benefit measures and report on these * if an existing methodology, could be selected as a consistent means of developing economic benefit measures for New Zealand public libraries. Responses were analysed to determine the current experience of New Zealand public libraries in undertaking this benefit identification and reporting role. Raw data was sorted using spreadsheets, and statistical analysis undertaken to provide an interpretation of the results against the study objectives. In addition, an examination of the content of Annual Reports and Long Term Council Community Plans was undertaken. Content analysis was based on whether: * Library service outcomes included the development of economic, cultural or social benefits for library patrons * Economic development outcomes included the development of economic benefits for citizens * Economic development outcomes referred to the contribution made by the library/library system to the economic development of the city/district. The study found that whilst territorial authorities which have jurisdiction, over the public library sector in New Zealand, are developing and using a variety of ways in which to measure the economic benefit that council-provided services are delivering to citizens, libraries are lagging behind in the use of those methodologies. Neither does there appear to be the compelling need to undertake activity of this type in New Zealand, unlike libraries elsewhere in the world, which are embracing a variety of different studies and practical implementations.