Skip to main content

Return on Investment Calculator

The Michigan Libraries ROI Calculator

What's Your Michigan Library Worth to You?

Individualized Return on Investment Calculator

Your Use Library Services Value of Services

Physical Items

Electronic/Downloadable Items

Reference Services

Computer and Technology Services

The total value for the services you listed above = $

*Your personal return on investment is based on your responses and the typical annual tax contribution for your Michigan library. You see a returned value of $ for every one dollar invested.

Values used in the calculations above: Physical Items
Value of a book checked out at a library = $20.07
Value of a book on CD checked out at a library = $10.72
Value of a playaway/tablet book checked out at a library = $10.72
Value of a music CD checked out at a library = $10.23
Value of a magazine read at the library = $5.12
Value of a movie on DVD checked out at a library = $3.07
Values used in the calculations above: Electronic/Downloadable Items
Value of an eBook accessed via a library = $10.24
Value of an audiobook download accessed via a library = $23.55
Value of a magazine digital download accessed via a library = $5.12
Value of a streamed movie accessed via a library = $4.10
Value of a song accessed via a library = $1.01
Values used in the calculations above: Reference Services
Value of asking a reference question at a library = $9
Value of a reference book replaced every 24 months = $4.75
Value of accessing an online article via a library = $10.24
Value of using an online professional training class - such as academic skills building - via a library = $61.44
Value of a non-circulating periodical at a library = $5.12
Values used in the calculations above: Computer and Technology Services
Value of using a library computer for an hour = $30.11
Value of using library wi-fi for an hour = $5.12
Value of computer training with a library staff member for an hour = $25.60


Additional Values: Other Library Services
Value of hourly meeting room use = $51.20
Value of a children's library program = $20.48
Value of a young adult library program = $15.36
Value of an adult library program = $25.60
Value of a one hour homework help session = $61.44
Average value of a breakfast, lunch, or snack through the Summer Food Programs = $2.30
Value of a visit to the library's bookmobile = $BLANK

Adapted from the Library Research Service Return on Investment calculator code.

You are seeing a returned value of $ for every one dollar invested!

Values updated at Library of Michigan January, 2019