Summary Report: Valuing public libraries in New Brunswick: New possibilities using linked administrative data

Abstract

Public libraries in New Brunswick serve as important community resources, yet many of their benefits unfold in ways that are difficult to observe using traditional measures. As the province continues to invest in public library services, there is growing interest in understanding how these institutions reach different populations and how library engagement relates to developmental, educational, and settlement outcomes. Using linked administrative data accessed through DataNB, this study examines patterns of library use across demographic and geographic groups and explores associations between library engagement and outcomes in early childhood development, academic performance, university enrolment, and immigrant retention. The analysis draws on library checkout records linked with Census data, Medicare eligibility files, Early Years Evaluation assessments, report card scores, high school graduation records, post-secondary enrolment data, and permanent resident landings. Descriptive analyses and regression models with fixed effects are used to compare library-using and non-using households while accounting for factors such as neighbourhood income, prior academic performance, and early developmental assessments. While the study cannot establish causality, the results show consistent associations between library use and positive developmental, educational, and retention outcomes.