3. Quantification of benefits by public libraries
Annual budget, LVL Number of visits
21 324 319
16 784 003
13 801 600
9 326 347 9 943 745
7 919 156
2008 2009 2010
► Libraries are ever more important during the times of
austerity. What benefits do they bring?
Page 3 Value of Latvian public libraries
5. Monetary benefits
Change in the net benefits of public libraries
(WTP data, thousand LVL)
12 000
10 000
9 650
Thousands
8 000 7 266
6 470
6 000
4 000
2 494
2 000
0
2008 2009 2010
► Direct net annual benefit of public library system in Latvia
6 470 030 LVL (on average 9 216 566 EUR)
► Annual indirect benefits to the economy 9 890 423 LVL
Page 5 Value of Latvian public libraries
6. Benefit-cost ratio of library services
Exhibitions 5,77
Use of PCs and Internet 3,04
Reading room 1,45
Average B/C
Lending 1,42 ratio for
Photocopying 0,88 libraries 1,37
Printing 0,79
ICT training classes 0,49
► Traditional and ICT
Public events 0,42
services generate
ICT consultations 0,39
much of the value of
Reference services 0,33 public libraries
Scanning 0,27
Services for disabled users 0,12
Page 6 Value of Latvian public libraries
7. Non-monetary benefits
► Users find libraries to be space for gathering, networking,
education and culture
► Libraries are perceived positively – they improve quality
of life, encourage education and culture and provide a
chance to save money
► Libraries improve information flow and access to
education, as well as reduces unemployment
Page 7 Value of Latvian public libraries