The true cost
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-07-2016-0018 |
| Date | 14 November 2016 |
| Published date | 14 November 2016 |
| Pages | 232-238 |
| Author | Robert Fox |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
DIGITAL LIBRARIES: THE SYSTEMS
ANALYSIS PERSPECTIVE
The true cost
Robert Fox
Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This column takes a critical look at how technology projects are valued according to
various cost factors. Those factors are examined, and a proposal is made regarding the use of agile
scrum to overcome the limitations of standard cost analysis. Standard cost analysis based on time and
nancial burden limit the ability of library leadership to make innovative and visionary decisions
concerning library strategy vis-a
`-vis technology.
Design/methodology/approach – This is a regular column. The material was written based on
experience and familiarity with current issues as well as a literature review.
Findings – As this is a regular column that is exploratory and speculative in nature, there are no
formal ndings. The conclusion is based on the ideas presented in the column narrative.
Originality/value – The average approach to cost analysis, otherwise known as the return on
investment, sties the ability of library leadership to make strategic decisions that are focused on
opportunities and relevance. Agile scrum is not simply a method to organize and manage software
development projects. It transforms the thinking of an organization and establishes a decision-making
model that places concerns at the appropriate level so that libraries can be nimble with regard to
technology implementation.
Keywords Strategy, Technology implementation, Scrum, Cost analysis, Agile, Estimation
Paper type Conceptual paper
There is no universally agreed upon way to measure cost. Cost is a relative term, and it
is also contextually sensitive. Cost in a society that uses a barter system is vastly
different than cost in a society that relies on currency. There are also occasions when
cost becomes irrelevant. For example, a society may value certain pieces of art or
historical artifacts and label them “priceless”. The value of such an object when
translated into the dynamic of cost cannot be measured. Some things, in other words,
have intrinsic value that transcends relative and contextual measures of cost.
For the past 20-30 years, libraries have also struggled with the issue of cost and
benet relative to technological advancement (Pandey, 2013). The struggle is not
ultimately about the nancial aspects of the equation, but rather the value that can be
gained, the opportunities taken or lost and the questions of relevance and service. This
struggle is not unique to libraries, especially regarding advancements in technology.
Industry, which is often the producer of new technology in collaboration with academic
institutions, faces issues of cost–benet analysis in a more acute fashion. For this
industry, cost inuences scal health, and scal health is the measure of vitality for any
organization that is a part of capitalist economies.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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DLP
32,4
232
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 4, 2016
pp.232-238
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-07-2016-0018
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