Public Library ROI Study Released

The results of the Return on Investment (ROI) Study commissioned by the Texas Library Association and conducted by JBK Economics Group are now available. The findings prove what we all know, Texas public libraries are essential community resources that deliver value far beyond the books on their shelves.

• For every $1 invested in public libraries, there is a $4.74 return on investment.
• Public libraries generate $3.8 billion in economic benefits statewide.
• $2.5 billion of that comes directly from library services such as computer and internet access, job search support, programming, circulation of print and digital materials, and databases.
• More than 11,000 jobs are supported directly or indirectly by public libraries.

The ROI study, together with results from the Public Library Public Opinion Poll conducted by KRC Research on behalf of TLA demonstrates that public libraries are smart investments that are highly valued by Texans. TLA will continue to promote these findings to stakeholders and the public via our Libraries: Truly Texas campaign.

Visit TrulyTexas.txla.org to download the complete reports, and access resources you can use to communicate these results to local stakeholders.

These research projects were funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.