[3/6/23] The OLC has updated the Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator so that libraries can enter their data and calculate their ROI for their communities and legislators. The template includes the costs for books, reference, computer use, Wi-Fi use, hotspot lending and outreach. The template also accounts for homework help sessions and Summer Food Service Programs in libraries.

You can start entering your data now by downloading the ROI calculator below. This tool was created to help libraries quantify the benefits provided to their communities in a simple and understandable fashion.

Local ROI Calculator (download Excel spreadsheet)

As a reminder, there are four tabs/worksheets within the Local ROI Calculator Excel Spreadsheet:

1. Instructions on how to complete the calculator;
2. Actual ROI Calculator;
3. Explanation of what the ROI figures mean and how to utilize them
4. Notes on the pricing and cost assumptions.

NOTE: It is helpful to print the “Instructions” worksheet first and gather your information before entering the data in the worksheet.

If you have further questions, please contact Jay Smith, OLC’s Director of Government and Legal Services, at jsmith@olc.org.