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The theory underlying the economic value of library benefits is outlined, and research (mainly in Australia and New Zealand) is reviewed. A UK research project examined four methods of assessing benefits in economic terms with particular attention to a consensus “market value” model. In developing the “market value” model one key variable is the relationship of book reads to book prices. A prototype value added schedule gives estimates of value for different library services to compare estimated total benefits with total costs. For UK public libraries, calculations show that the economic value of library benefits exceeds costs incurred, with social and intangible benefits in addition. New performance indicators are suggested by the research. It is shown how the methodology can be extended from public libraries to a parliamentary library and also to the economic and social costs of crime.

This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/14678040210697582. When citing the article, please cite: John Sumsion, (2002), “ISO 2789: whatʼs new in and around the revision?”, Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 3 Iss: 1, pp. 10 - 19.

Changes and additions to ISO 2789, the international standard Information and Documentation – International Library Statistics, are outlined, along with commentary and explanation of their purpose. Many of these changes relate to new components of libraries’ electronic collections and to their networked services. Some statistics are cited of the present position of electronic serials. Other related work, recently published, is described briefly.

Resource funded research into The Economic Value of Public Libraries was carried out in the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University during 1999‐2000. Examines some of the findings focusing on book borrowing and information seeking by a number of socio‐economic characteristics. In the light of these characteristics, considers how far public libraries contribute to social inclusion. Identifies seven ages of library use and discusses the library’s value to a person at each of these stages. Also considers the use of central and branch libraries, and therefore the value of each to various groups. Shows that, while book borrowing is spread fairly evenly across the population, information seeking is much less so, with those in most need of information least likely to seek it from a public library. Draws two conclusions. The first is that both value and social inclusion will be greater if libraries and library services are widespread. The second is that the record of UK public libraries in serving users across a wide socio‐economic spectrum is already good.

Reviews the background to and history of recent research within the UK public library sector. Indicates model features for research and considers the major elements of objectives, purposes, topics/problems, researchers, method and research topics. Discusses relevant research models for public library investigation and management models for the research, considering strategy, project selection, funding decisions and feedback.

In the context of statistical research into the economic value of public library services, a model was developed to demonstrate the economic benefit when books are borrowed rather than bought. The model is based on the number of book reads rather than on book purchases or library issue counts. Different assumptions applied to the model cover the hardback:paperback distinction and different levels of library costs. The most significant variable, however, is shown to lie between books that are “read through” and those “frequently consulted” for information and educational benefit. Maximising book loans through the public library is shown to be not only in the interest of individual users, but also to be economically in the public interest.

Presents the results of a study into the relationship between affluence of an area and the use made of the public library services, concentrating on London boroughs and English metropolitan districts. Uses the Department of Environment Index of Local Conditions and library data to calculate correlation coefficients and regression analyses. Finds that certain variables of library data, e.g. book issues per capita, can be correlated with the affluence of the area and, therefore, could be used to create an index for assessing whether a library service is performing above or below expectation for a particular area. Suggests areas of future research.

More comprehensive trend data on UK academic libraries’ operations and resources are now available. Explains the extended scope of annual published statistics ‐ along with a summary of results for 1994/95 and the previous ten years. Discusses the general statistical approach including the importance of trend analysis over long (ten year) time periods. Regular established statistics are important to monitor the extent to which traditional operations are supplemented or replaced by new technology.

Examines key issues and important developments in UK interlending during 1998. Provides an update on progress in various document delivery projects, including those of eLib, and highlights the importance of the ISO ILL protocol. Also summarises the work of the clumps projects, yet questions how far their reliance on Z39.50 can benefit ILL, and reports on new initiatives in electronic journals. Positive developments in areas such as interlending to the blind, retroconversion, distance learning and cross‐sectoral cooperation are contrasted with news of how economic difficulties have affected services in a wide range of interlending agencies.

In February 1994, the Library and Information Co‐operation Council recommended a review of co‐operation among library and information services and asked the Library and Information Statistical Unit to deal with the statistical aspects. The report was published in March 1995 and examines and compares the range of interlibrary lending (ILL) statistics currently collected to establish how far they are adequate and consistent, reviews present procedures and makes recommendations for the future. The report′s conclusions are based on the assumption that the present regional system will continue and are presented in three broad areas: for individual libraries to improve the accuracy and to reduce the work involved in data collection; for regional organizations to extend the scope of published statistics and to improve their presentation; and at the macro level to remove some incompatibilities and to propose a more effective overall presentation. Recommendations are designed to enhance, improve and verify the accuracy of ILL statistics and by reducing clerical work and the risk of error to see that the data already collected are available to a wider audience.