Library Value Use Calculator
What is your library worth to you?
You can calculate the approximate value of the services you receive from your Manatee County Public Library per month.
Enter the number of times per month you or your family use each service to see what your library is worth to you.
| Quantity | Service | Values Explained | Value Per Use ($) | Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books Borrowed | Average retail price of a new paperback book. | $16.00 | $0.00 | |
| DVDs Borrowed | Matches typical purchase cost for a new or recent DVD. | $10.00 | $0.00 | |
| Audiobooks Borrowed | Reflects average price for full-length audiobooks from Audible or publishers. | $25.00 | $0.00 | |
| eBooks Borrowed | Reflects average cost of popular consumer eBooks (not free/public domain). | $6.00 | $0.00 | |
| Meeting Room Usage Hours | Based on hourly rental rates of comparable private meeting spaces in community centers. | $30.00 | $0.00 | |
| Study Room Usage Hours | Aligns with value of private study rooms or co-working quiet spaces per hour. | $10.00 | $0.00 | |
| Archive Lab Usage Hours | Based on commercial digitization services (VHS transfer, slide scanning, etc.) including staff support. | $45.00 | $0.00 | |
| WiFi Use Hours | Reflects value of secure high-speed internet access in public/commercial spaces. | $4.00 | $0.00 | |
| Online Resources/Databases Uses | Represents the high cost of individual access to premium services and aligns with national library standards, which typically value database use between $19.95 and $25. | $19.95 | $0.00 | |
| Research Questions Asked | Equivalent to hiring a research assistant or paying for a reference consultation. | $15.00 | $0.00 | |
| Technical Instructions and Training Hours | Based on average hourly rate for adult education, digital literacy classes, or technology tutoring through community centers, workforce training, or commercial platforms. | $25.00 | $0.00 | |
| Computer Use Hours | Matches internet café/computer rental rates per hour, especially with MS Office access. | $12.00 | $0.00 | |
| Program/Class Attended - Child | Estimated value based on costs for enrichment or storytime programs in community centers. | $10.00 | $0.00 | |
| Program/Class Attended - Teen | Based on creative or educational teen-focused activities (e.g. coding, crafts). | $13.00 | $0.00 | |
| Program/Class Attended - Adult | Reflects value of workshops, lectures, or adult education programs elsewhere. | $17.50 | $0.00 | |
| Total Value Received | $0.00 | |||
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