Open AccessSCOPE: A Cost Analysis of an Automated Serials Record System
Author(s) -
Michael E. D. Koenig,
A. C. Finlay,
Joann G. Cushman,
James M. Detmer
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
information technology and libraries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2163-5226
pISSN - 0730-9295
DOI - 10.6017/ital.v4i3.5590
Subject(s) - scope (computer science) , computer science , context (archaeology) , automation , operations research , point (geometry) , information system , value (mathematics) , investment (military) , cost analysis , database , engineering , mechanical engineering , paleontology , geometry , mathematics , electrical engineering , machine learning , politics , law , political science , biology , programming language
A computerized serials record and control system developed in 1968/69 for the Technical Information Department of Pfizer Inc. is described and subjected to a cost analysis. This cost analysis is conducted in the context of an investment decision, using the concept of net present value, a method not previously used in library literature. The cost analysis reveals a positive net present value and a system life break-even requirement of seven years at a 10% cost of capital. This demonstrates that such an automated system can be economically justifiable in a library of relatively modest size (approx. 1,100 serial and periodical titles). It may be that the break-even point in terms of collection size required for successful automation of serial records is smaller than has been assumed to date