Print bookPrint book

Add Value

Site: MSL Learn
Course: Connecting with Local Government Officials
Book: Add Value
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025, 11:00 AM

Description

It is often useful to learn from experts in other fields.  An economist's view is particularly useful for libraries and other public service providers.

Table of contents

Introduction

Watch this clip for an introduction to the topic of the value of libraries from the perspective of an expert economist.

Tracy Cook introduces Dr. Greg Gilpin, Montana State University


(2:38)



Economic Principles

Community Sorting Reveals Preferences for Local Public Services and Goods


(4:27)


Note: Economists use sorting as a metaphor for the way that market forces partition economic agents across segments of a market. Households “sort” across neighborhoods according to their wealth and their preferences for public goods, social characteristics, and commuting opportunities.

Investment in Public Services and Goods

Learn more about two economic principles that influence support for libraries: freerider problem and positive externality.


(3:41)



Libraries Enhance Public Value and Societal Wellbeing

Wellbeing and public value are tied together. Technological changes in the 21st century in particular can impact wellbeing in a variety of ways that also influence how libraries can meet public needs.


(3:11)



Research

Dr. Gilpin provides an overview of research that ties the impact of library programs and services to better outcomes for public safety and education.


(3:03)



Local Policymakers

Local government officials have a responsibility to ensure public funds are spent wisely and for the betterment of the community.  Good policy-making on behalf of the public is a balancing act that challenges all stakeholders and requires good information about the potential benefits of investing in public services.


(1:57)



Communicating the Story Effectively

Turn problems or challenges into the opportunities your community will benefit from through connecting with the stakeholders who make decisions about where to invest public funds.


(2:26)



Conclusions and Advice

This last clip highlights some questions and key points from Dr. Gilpin's presentation.


(4:08)



What's Next? Outcomes and Changes

Final Reflections
Refer back to the Logic Model for Stakeholders and Communicating Public Value.
  • What changes and additions would you make to your first draft?
  • What new communication strategies are you thinking about using?
  • How will you talk about the public value of libraries to stakeholders from local government?

Thank you for taking time to learn more about this important and complex topic.

Move on to the Course Wrap-Up and Course Evaluation.