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dc.contributor.authorAabø, Svanhilden_US
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-12T08:01:23Z
dc.date.available2010-04-12T08:01:23Z
dc.date.issued2009en_US
dc.identifier.citationAabø, S. (2009). “Libraries and return on investment (ROI): A meta-analysis”. New Library World 110, (7/8), 311-324.en_US
dc.identifier.issn0307-4803en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10642/336
dc.description.abstractPurpose of this paper: The need to communicate the value of libraries is growing, and especially now during the global financial crisis. As a response library valuation research is expanding and there is now a need for a status report. Background: The library valuation field is on its way to generating a critical mass of empirical studies. The focus of this meta-analytical review is on the subgroup that reports a return on investment (ROI) or a cost-benefit ratio. Methods used for the study: Meta-analysis is a quantitative analysis of findings of previous studies, conducted to infer general findings and lessons from prior empirical research. The dataset is 38 library valuation studies reporting a return on investment figure or cost-benefit ratio. Findings: 32 of the 38 studies are of public libraries, a number high enough to indicate a tenable result. The meta-analysis indicate that the patterns in the findings are consistent with expectations regarding the benefit types that are included in the ROI figure, the methods used, and the scope of the study. Value of paper: This study appears to be the first meta-analytical review of library studies reporting a return on investment figure. The tentative conclusion is that for each dollar invested in public libraries they return, on average, approximately four times more. This is a strong message with policy implications.en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherEmeralden_US
dc.relation.ispartofseriesNew Library World;110, (7/8)en_US
dc.subjectLibrariesen_US
dc.subjectROIen_US
dc.subjectVDP::Samfunnsvitenskap: 200::Biblioteks- og informasjonsvitenskap: 320en_US
dc.subjectValueen_US
dc.subjectValuationen_US
dc.titleLibraries and return on investment (ROI): A meta-analysisen_US
dc.typeJournal articleen_US
dc.typePeer revieweden_US
dc.description.versionAn earlier version of this paper was presented at the 15th International Conference on Cultural Economics (ACEI) in Boston 12-15 June 2008 and at the 16th BOBCATSSS Symposium 28-30 January 2009 in Porto, Portugal.en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1108/03074800910975142


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