Assessing Public Library Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Linear programming Data Envelopment Analysis is used to determine the relative efficiency of 184 libraries in New York (U.S.A.). Efficiency is defined as whether or not a library could reduce the inputs it uses equiproportionately and still produce the same output. Inputs are defined programmatically: holdings, opening hours, serials and new books. Output is internal and external circulation. The subject libraries operate at just 67% efficiency, i.e., inputs could be reduced by one‐third without sacrificing output if all libraries were as efficient as the benchmark 23 identified by DEA. Too many hours of opening is the main source of inefficiency.