Annalisa Quinn, of NPR reports the news from a happiness study done by the U.K.'s Department for Culture, Media & Sport which finds Book News: Happiness Study Says Library Trips Are As Good As A Pay Raise.
Going to the library gives people the same kick as getting a raise does — a £1,359 ($ 2,282) raise, to be exact — according to a study commissioned by the U.K.'s Department for Culture, Media & Sport. The study, which looks at the ways "cultural engagement" affects overall wellbeing, concluded that a significant association was found between frequent library use and reported wellbeing. The same was true of dancing, swimming and going to plays. The study notes that "causal direction needs to be considered further" — that is, it's hard to tell whether happy people go to the library, or going to the library makes people happy. But either way, the immortal words of Arthur the Aardvark ring true: "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!"
This sounded a little suspicious so I went to the original research report at Quantifying and Valuing the Wellbeing Impacts of Sport and Culture which wasn't all that more helpful as it is mostly a discussion of a least-squares regression models based on survey responses. I did learn that to get a full $2,282 of "well-being" requires a whole year of library attendance make more sense. I love libraries but I also try to be rigorously objective about the financial value equivalents of my experiences of well-being and enjoyment. This study is was a straight forward application of a regression statistics to a self-report survey with no interviews, or other research. Still it makes for an interesting discussion starter on the real tangible value libraries contribute to our society, education, culture, and well-being.
My last visit to the library produced enjoyment equivalent to $87.50. So with this clarification of the studies year-long duration my concerns are relieved as this would be consistent with visited the library 2 to 3 time a month. As a cross-check comparison our household pays around $200 a month for our Comcast Triple Play. About the the same for mobile phones, a little more for cars. I look forward to hearing what readers think.
Our libraries are wonderful places that also provide an alternative model to pure capitalism and private ownership of how people can band together in stewardship of resources to maximize efficiency and our collective good. One way I show my appreciation for libraries and librarians is celebrate "Flirt With Your Librarian Month" on any month that has a vowel in it, which happens to include April.
My primary remaining concern with this study is should it fall into the wrong hands, such as those of right-wing business owners. The next time workers come up for consideration for raises their bosses let's not be surprised if we get handed a library card instead. Maybe along with a $2,282 pay reduction.