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Explanation and Values for Library Use Value Calculator
Updated figures, November 2019
This chart provides background for estimated or average costs for library resources and services. We used an average of the Amazon best sellers list in adult, YA, children's books, audio and eBooks. These numbers are intended to reflect what a library patron would pay on the open market not what the library pays for these materials.
Customization
Some values may vary from area to area. If you would like to supply your own values, please feel free to edit the Library Use Value Calculator and to download the spreadsheet for edits to meet your own local needs.
How to customize and use on your local library web site.
| Item | Estimated Retail Value | Values Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Book Borrowed | $22.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Paperback Book Borrowed | $12.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Children Book Borrowed | $8.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Audiobooks Borrowed | $27.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Interlibrary Loan Requests | $25.00 | Average national cost for loans |
| eBooks/Audiobooks Downloaded | $10.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Magazine Borrowed | $5.00 | Average cost to purchase |
| Movies Borrowed | $18.00 | Amazon average cost |
| CDs Borrowed | $13.00 | Amazon average cost |
| Museum Pass Borrowed | $20.00 | Sample museum admission for two |
| Newspaper Read in Library | $8.99 | Average monthly subscription |
| Meeting Room Use per Hour | $25.00 | Estimate |
| Program/Class Attended - Adult | $15.00 | Average price of a movie ticket |
| Program Attended - Children | $12.00 | Average price of a movie ticket |
| Computer Use per Hour | $10.00 | Based on Bangor Public Library's Business Center price |
| Reference Questions Asked | $19.50 | Average reference librarian hourly wage |
Based initially on the calculator from Massachusetts Library Association.
