The real cost of ILS ownership
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to all factors that impact on the cost of an integrated library system (ILS).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a total cost of ownership approach, a bigger view of all the factors impacting on cost is explored.
Findings
The paper finds that many libraries focus entirely on direct costs when selecting a new ILS, rather than factoring in staff time and other long‐term costs that will be associated with choosing a system.
Originality/value
When the direct and indirect costs are considered, systems that have higher initial costs may be cheaper to own through their entire lifespan than other, seemingly cheaper, products.
Keywords
Citation
Fischer, R. and Lugg, R. (2006), "The real cost of ILS ownership", The Bottom Line, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880450610682536
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited