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Do public libraries impact local labour markets? Evidence from Appalachia

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  • Amir Borges Ferreira Neto

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.

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  • Amir Borges Ferreira Neto, 2023. "Do public libraries impact local labour markets? Evidence from Appalachia," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 216-238, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:specan:v:18:y:2023:i:2:p:216-238
    DOI: 10.1080/17421772.2022.2123552
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    1. Gregory Gilpin & Ezra Karger & Peter Nencka, 2024. "The Returns to Public Library Investment," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 16(2), pages 78-109, May.
    2. Hanzl, Lisa, 2024. "The Role of Public Space: Libraries and Racial Inequality in Education," VfS Annual Conference 2024 (Berlin): Upcoming Labor Market Challenges 302387, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.

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    JEL classification:

    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • L39 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Other
    • R59 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Other

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