Knowledge Access: The Effects of Carnegie Libraries on Innovation

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Berkes, Enrico; Nencka, Peter
• 署名单位: University System of Maryland; University of Maryland Baltimore County; University System of Ohio; Miami University
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01446
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: spillovers

摘要

Between 1883 and 1919, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of more than 1,500 public libraries across the United States, reducing the costs of accessing knowledge for millions. We study the effect of these libraries on innovation. Patenting in recipient places increased on average by 10%-12% in the 20 years following library construction relative to a novel control group of cities that applied for but did not build libraries. We show that access to scientific knowledge and increased collaboration opportunities are possible mechanisms.