Efficient Provision of Public Goods: Supply and Demand of Public Libraries in Colombia

Abstract

The present research aims to carry out a study on the supply of public libraries in Colombia and the variables that determine their demand. To analyze the supply, the Directory of Public Libraries provided by the National Library of Colombia is used, and the data of demand for libraries is analyzed through a probit econometric model, using microdata from the Cultural Consumption Survey implemented by the National Department of Statistics (DANE). The results obtained from this research show the geographical distribution of the supply of public libraries in the country, by regions and departments, and in the analysis of the demand, it can be determined that the educational level is the most decisive factor in the use of the public library. In general, this study reveals that young and single people are those who are most likely to use these facilities as well as women and people who are inactive.