The cost-effectiveness of public library service in metropolitan areas: A comparative analysis of consolidated multiple jurisdictional public libraries and single jurisdictional public libraries in six metropolitan counties in the state of Ohio

The purpose of this study was to determine if the cost-effectiveness of public library service in metropolitan areas is related to the structure of the jurisdictional service area of those libraries. A comparison was made between multijurisdictional libraries designed to serve two or more local government districts and single jurisdictional libraries that provide service to only one local government district. Organizations, like public libraries, which exist to ensure society's equal and universal access to information, are an essential part of this nation's infrastructure. In the global information society of today, the issue of library service effectiveness assumes greater significance and warrants continual examination. Equally as important is the problem of determining appropriate government jurisdictions for financing and delivering local public services, especially considering the economic and social impacts of de-industrialization in major U.S. urban areas. This study directs attention to the public policy debate concerning regional versus fragmented forms of local public service delivery. The presumption of greater efficiency achieved with consolidated organizations is commonly suggested as primary motivation for mergers and consolidations in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors of society. Within this investigation, the research hypothesis stated that higher levels of cost-effectiveness are achieved with multijurisdictional libraries as opposed to single jurisdictional libraries. The data analysis centered on the input-output ratios of library circulation costs and transactions for the calendar year of 1995. Using a quasiexperimental, posttest only, control group design, the hypothesis was tested with two nonparametric rank order tests in addition to the Student's t test and one measure of association. Results of the data analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the two different jurisdictional structures of public libraries. The findings of this study suggest that in metropolitan areas, consolidated multijurisdictional public libraries are not more cost-effective than single jurisdictional public libraries. The research outcomes were discussed in terms of potential policy implications and future research on public service delivery.