On a federal level, we are thankful for the data provided and collected by the American Library Association. 

From a statewide angle, the Library of Michigan, Michigan Library Cooperatives and MLA are collecting the kind of data that you may find amazing.  

Just last year, MLA did a statistically valid statewide poll of 800 voters. A few of the general data findings include:

But at the local level, how do you know the return on investment (ROI) that your public library has when valuing the crucial role they play in serving as vital hubs of education, culture, and social engagement? How do we know that citizens love our library? 

First and foremost, we can guarantee that these questions can be answered very simply: it is evident in your local citizens active participation at your library, in their advocating on behalf of the library in challenging times, and probably most important through their VOTE to fund a local library millage. Close to $430 Million dollars is currently approved in communities large and small by voters in the state of Michigan to fund their local libraries. What can we derive from that?

• Millages are the lifeblood of Michigan Public Libraries. Some people believe libraries are mostly funded by things like donations or book sales but that is not the case. 

• Libraries are essential to the fabric of our communities. Statewide, 85% of local library funding comes from millages voted for by local communities. Local voters choose to fund local libraries!

• Michigan's libraries are vital hubs of learning and enrichment, fostering community connections and fostering lifelong learning. Local funding from millages, ensures libraries remain vibrant resources accessible to all!

So where can you get the data for your local library to prove to the citizens of your community that their hard earned money that goes to fund a local millage has the kind of ROI that shows value and importance? 

We are sure there are others, but we wanted to point you to a resource that we have been given permission to share from the Ohio Library Council. Their recently updated Return on Investment calculator (2023) is a valuable tool available to libraries. Note, some of the information is outdated but will updated later this year. The ROI Calculator is in an Excel spreadsheet to be completed by a library and includes instructions on how to complete the calculator, an explanation of what the ROI figures mean, and notes on the pricing and cost assumptions. View a tutorial on how to use the calculator. 

Download the ROI Calculator

Public libraries are valued not only for their tangible benefits but also for the intangible contributions they make to the social fabric, cultural identity, and quality of life within the community. Their mission to provide access to information and knowledge; support for literacy and education; provide cultural enrichment and community engagement; provide digital inclusion and technological access; serve as community spaces and social connections; preserve local history and heritage; and contribute to the local economy by supporting workforce development and entrepreneurship initiatives through their contribution. When you can provide your value in data form and a citizen can provide the story of how the library has transformed their family’s lives – it is a powerful message.

Always remember – no data without a story, no story without data.  

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director