Values and Explanation for Library Use Value Calculator

This chart provides the background for the estimated retail values. Some of the values are estimates and averages with an update to reflect 2008 costs. (June 2008 updated)

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. Many costs increased since 2006 when we posted the calculator, especially magazines and newspapers but not all categories.


Item	Estimated Retail Value	Values Explained
Book Borrowed	$15.00	Average cost of hardcover for adults
Paperback Book Borrowed	$7.00	Average cost of paperback for adults
Children Book Borrowed	$12.00	Average cost of hardcover for children
Magazine Borrowed	$3.50	Average cost to purchase a popular periodical issue
Video Borrowed	$4.00	Average cost to purchase a popular video
Audio Books Borrowed	$10.00	Average cost to purchase an audio book
Magazine/Newspaper Use in Library	$1.00	Average monthly cost of a popular periodical/newspapers issue
Interlibrary Loan	$30.00	Average national cost for loans
Meeting Room Use per Hour	$50.00	Estimate
Program/Class Attended - Adult	$10.00	Estimate
Program Attended - Children	$6.00	Estimate
Computer Use, e.g., Internet and MS Word per hour	$12.00	Sample hourly rate at a copy center
Other Database Searching - Number of Months Used	$20.00	Minimum Cost for Monthly Access to Sample Online Database
Reference Questions	$15.00	Estimated cost per question

Based initially on the calculator from Massachusetts Library Association.