Do public libraries impact local labour markets? Evidence from Appalachia

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of public library programmes and participation on unemployment and labour force participation in Appalachia. Appalachia is an economically distressed area, mostly rural, and with a sustained lower level of labour force participation and a higher level of unemployment. As public library programmes can be cyclical to business cycles, that is, labour market outcomes, I use public library staff and the amount computers available as instruments. While ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates show no effect of adult or children’s programmes and participation on local labour market outcomes, spatial econometric estimates provide evidence of direct and indirect effects of adults programmes and participation on labour force participation.