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How do you determine what the North Shore Library's value is to you?
Take a few minutes and try this Library Value Calculator!
How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?
Enter in the left hand column the number of times per month you or your family use each service. Estimated retail value of each service (if purchased) will be calculated on the right. Total value of your library use is shown at the bottom of the worksheet.
Tip: Tab between entries and do not use commas.
The calculator worksheet has been adapted from original downloadable spreadsheet by the Massachusetts Library Association and adapted for the web by Chelmsford Public Library.
Explanation and Values for Library Use Value Calculator
This chart provides background for estimated or average costs for library resources and services.
For example, we used an average between hardcover and paperback prices for adult and childrens books from online retailers to arrive at average prices for those categories. We also relied on the Library and Book Trade Almanac for other print material prices. While the cost of many library resources has remained flat or decreased slightly since 2009, the cost of magazines and newspapers has increased substantially. Updated figures, July 2014
How are values calculated?
Below is a list of estimated or average cost of library services with explanations. Some values may vary.
| Item | Estimated Retail Value | Values Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Cover Book Borrowed | $18.00 | Average cost of hardcover for adults |
| Paperback Book Borrowed | $12.00 | Average cost of paperback for adults |
| Children Book Borrowed | $10.00 | Average cost of hardcover for children |
| Audiobooks Borrowed | $25.00 | Average cost to purchase an audio book |
| Interlibrary Loan Requests | $30.00 | Ave rag national cost for loans |
| eBooks/Audiobooks Downloaded | $8.00 | Average cost to download an e-book/audiobook |
| Magazine Borrowed | $5.00 | Average cost to purchase a popular periodical issue |
| Video Borrowed | $17.00 | Average cost to purchase a popular video |
| CDs Borrowed | $22.00 | Average cost to purchase a CD. |
| Newspaper Use in Library | $7.50 | Average monthly cost of a popular newspaper |
| Meeting Room cost per Use | $50.00 | Estimate |
| Program/Class Attended - Adult | $14.00 | Estimate |
| Program Attended - Children | $11.50 | Estimate |
| Computer Use per Hour e.g. Internet and MS Word per hour | $12.00 | Sample hourly rate at internet cafes for people using their computers, not their own laptops. |
| Reference Questions Asked | $15.00 | Estimated cost per question |