- How the values were calculated
Library Use Value Calculator Explanations of Values
The cost figures for library services were derived by the Massachusetts Library Association based on the table below:
Library Service Value of Service Based On Adult books borrowed $20.00 Amazon.com average price Young adult books borrowed $20.00 Amazon.com average price Children books borrowed $5.00 Amazon.com average price Audiobooks borrowed $20.00 Audible.com download average eBooks borrowed $15.00 Estimated B&N/Amazon average Magazines borrowed $2.00 Estimated purchase price average Newspapers borrowed $2.00 Boston Globe subscription (outside city) Movies streamed $4.00 Estimated Netflix average DVDs borrowed $20.00 iTunes download album average Music streamed $1.00 iTunes download song average Tablets borrowed $272.00 Estimated purchase price average Podcasting equipment used $15.00 Estimated purchase price average Musical instruments borrowed $50.00 Estimated purchase price average Laptops borrowed $1,200.00 Estimated purchase price average Literacy Centers used (hours) $5.00 Entertainment/program admission fee - estimated average per adult Board games borrowed $20.00 Estimated purchase price average Telescopes borrowed $100.00 Estimated purchase price average Vinyl borrowed $20.00 Estimated purchase price average Sewing Machines borrowed $300.00 Estimated purchase price average
