October 15, 2007NEWS: Brevard Libraries Demonstrate Positive R.O.I.
COCOA, Fla. - Brevard County libraries' return on investment is $4.74 for every taxpayer dollar spent, according to a recent survey commissioned by the State Library of Florida.According to the report, if there were no Brevard County Library Services, the total economic loss to users and the local economy is estimated to be $104.15 million.
It would cost public library users $50.29 million more to obtain needed information through alternative sources; library users would lose $30.69 million by not knowing where to go to obtain that information; library wages and salaries would be lost to the economy in the amount of $12.9 million; $0.15 million would be lost in services to other libraries; $0.62 million would be lost in purchases of good and services from non-library vendors; and $9.48 million would be lost to local shops, restaurants and other services used by patrons before and after library trips.
The value of library services was determined via surveys of in-person and remote-access patrons during the week of August 26 at six libraries: Palm Bay, West Melbourne, Suntree/Viera, Mims, Titusville, and Central Brevard.
Taxpayers contribute $21.96 million to Brevard public libraries through local, state and federal taxes.
Brevard County Libraries enables people of all ages to improve their quality of life by providing information and enrichment through traditional resources and new technology.