TY  - JOUR
AU  - Getz,Malcolm
TI  - The Efficient Level Of Public Library Services
JF  - National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series
VL  - No. 321
PY  - 1979
Y2  - February 1979
UR  - http://www.nber.org/papers/w0321
L1  - http://www.nber.org/papers/w0321.pdf
N1  - Author contact info:
Malcolm Getz
Department of Economics
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37235-1819
Tel: 615-322-3425
Fax: 615-343-8495
E-Mail: MALCOLM.GETZ@VANDERBILT.EDU
AB  - Criteria for determining the efficient mix of branches, hours, stock, and new acquisitions are developed and applied to the branch operations of the New York Public Library. A method based on traveling costs is used to value library use at each branch. The relationship between library operations and library use is estimated using a two-stage technique. The costs of library operations are explored. Marginal benefit-cost ratios are presented. The study finds that the New York Public Library operates too many branches for too few hours of service.
ER  -