Are libraries worth keeping? Study to determine benefit of libraries to residents

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 1:45 PM CST

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MADISON — NorthStar Economics Inc., a Madison-based consulting firm, will conduct a study to determine the economic benefit of public libraries for Wisconsin residents.

The company won a contract with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to complete the study after the agency reviewed proposals submitted by a number of organizations. The study, funded through the federal Library Services and Technology Act, will focus on the economic benefits that libraries bring to a global, knowledge-based economy. Public libraries increasingly have to compete with other municipal services for funding, and they need to be better able to articulate their contribution and economic impact in their respective communities.

“We are pleased to be taking on this project” said David J. Ward, NorthStar founder and president.

“Our focus is to develop regional economic development strategies that incorporate the New Economy: one based on brain power, innovation, entrepreneurship, risk capital, technology transfer, and quality of life. Public libraries are important institutions that contribute to quality of life and access to knowledge in communities throughout Wisconsin. It is our hope to illuminate the important role of public libraries as significant economic drivers in the New Economy.”

NorthStar will work with a steering committee to prepare a study detailing the economic impact and return on investment in the public libraries and library systems in Wisconsin. It also will conduct an analysis of library activities and services that contribute to the success of public library involvement in economic development and the benefits the libraries confer upon individuals, families, students, businesses and organizations, whether they are library users or not. Additionally, NorthStar will produce separate reports detailing the economic impact of particular libraries in the state, including Racine, Madison and Milwaukee.

“Public libraries are a tremendous asset to their communities” said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. “We anticipate that this study will confirm and quantify the important contributions that public libraries make to lifelong learning and quality of life for Wisconsin residents.”

NorthStar expects to complete the project in spring of 2008, and results will be announced at the Wisconsin Public Library Association annual conference in May. The Wisconsin Library Association Foundation has funds earmarked for disseminating the results of the study once it has been completed.

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