Audiovisual materials in UK public libraries: economic sense?
| Date | 01 September 2006 |
| Pages | 555-569 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410610688714 |
| Published date | 01 September 2006 |
| Author | Anne Morris,Catherine Ayre,Amy Jones |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Audiovisual materials in UK
public libraries: economic sense?
Anne Morris and Catherine Ayre
Department of Information Science, Loughborough University,
Loughborough, UK, and
Amy Jones
Wellington Library, Telford and Wrekin Council, Wellington, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the provision of audiovisual materials in UK
public libraries and their economic value.
Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey of all the public library authorities in
the UK was used to investigate current provision of audiovisual material, expected future provision,
and the amounts spent on and generated by audiovisual collections. Data collected, together with those
available from other reputable sources, were then used to estimate the cost benefit or value of
audiovisual provision.
Findings – The provision of audiovisual material in UK public libraries is widespread and varied.
While audiovisual collections provide economic value and generate income from charging for loans,
there are significant costs inherent in providing such services. Concerns are raised about the constant
developments in media formats and the ability to make adequate provision. A cost benefit of 1:1.34
using the PVB (present value benefits) based on maximum loan charges was found, meaning that the
UK gets £1.34 direct benefit from every £1.00 spent on the audiovisual service.
Research limitations/implications – There are different methods used by economists to estimate
value of public services, all having limitations. The method used in this research is no exception. The
cost-benefit ratio found is based on maximum loan charges. However, this figure would be higher if the
PVB had been based on purchase costs or lower if the PVB had been based on mean loan charges.
Further, the figures do not include indirect benefits or option benefits, so are likely to be
underestimates of the true cost benefit of the audiovisual service.
Practical implications – This research is likely to be of interest to public library managers and
funding bodies needing evidence for the value of audiovisual provision.
Originality/value – This is the first attempt to put a monetary value on audiovisual provision in the
UK. It also provides insights into current and future audiovisual provision.
Keywords Audiovisualmedia, Economic value analysis, Public libraries, Cost benefit analysis,
Return on investment
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Audiovisual material is a “generic term to describe information content held in storage
and transmission media, and formats that use images and sound rather than, or
sometimes in addition to, textual matter” (Feather and Sturges, 2002). Generally, this is
taken to mean material such as audio cassettes; multi-media, open learning, language
packs; CD-ROMs, records, slides, film, videos, DVDs and electronic games.
The provision of audiovisual material in public libraries is not new. The majority of
North American libraries have had media materials in their collections since the 1960s
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0022-0418.htm
Audiovisual
materials in
libraries
555
Received 13 January 2005
Revised 24 August 2005
Accepted 3 October 2005
Journal of Documentation
Vol. 62 No. 5, 2006
pp. 555-569
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0022-0418
DOI 10.1108/00220410610688714
To continue reading
Request your trial