Value of Library Services Further Information
This chart provides the background for the estimated retail values used for calculating the values.  Some of the vaules are estimates and averages.  For example we used the midpoint between hardcover and paperback of a book from a discount online store for that value to allow for different types of books borrowed.  We agree that other values may vary from area to area.  If you would like to supply your own values, please feel free to download and edit the speadsheet to meet your own local needs.

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Item Estimated Retail Value Values Explained - October 2003
Book Borrowed $12.50 Estimated average discount cost of hardcover & paperback
Magazine Borrowed $2.00 Estimated cost to purchase a popular periodical issue
Video Borrowed (e.g., Blockbuster) $3.87 Sample Video Rental at Video Store
Book on Tape Borrowed $9.95  Introductory Rental Price at booksontape.com
Museum Pass Borrowed $24.00 Sample museum admission for two
     
Magazine Use in Library $2.00 Estimated cost to purchase a popular periodical issue
Interlibrary Loan $25.00 Average cost for loans in Massachusetts
Meeting Room Use per Hour $50.00 Estimate
Auditorium Use per Hour $250.00 Estimate
Program Attended - Adult $15.00 Sample museum program cost for a museum member
Program Attended - Children $6.00 Sample museum program cost for a museum member
     
Computer Use, e.g., Internet and  MS Word per hour $12.00 Sample hourly rate at a copy center
Boston Globe Online Articles Viewed $1.00 Average cost per article
Other Database Searching - Number of Months Used $19.95 Minimum Cost for Monthly Access to Sample Online Database
Reference Questions $7.00 Estimated cost per question















































































Copyright Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) 2004