Library Web site ROI

[Andre Gionet]

Paul H. Gray a écrit:

> I would expect talk like this from administrative bean counters in a world
> where libraries and related services are sometimes seen as money pits.  But
> to hear it from someone in the library community is very disturbing.

I couldn't say it better myself.  Everyone knows that
administrative bean counters are resilient and widespread
creatures.  Perhaps Gay should come forward and give us some
background information as to why he wants to do such a
research.  

> I have no doubt that your Dr. Hallows is far more educated than I am - and
> you likely may be yourself. And, I may have said some things that betray a
> grave ignorance of library science (I have two Masters' but neither is an
> MLS -- I'm just the technical grunt here) -- 

That's O.K., Paul.  I'm sure many librarians, like me, will
be happy to know that there's at least one techie who wants
to be our friend. :-)  

Speaking on the ROI for a Web site, just think of libraries
that subscribe to databases accessible via the Web instead
of getting CD-ROMs, or have a trained operator acting as an
intermediary for a command-based online service.  The
benefits I see at first glance: 

- the library doesn't have to buy CD-ROM towers
- updates are done on the vendor side
- real-time updates (no need to wait for the next CD)
- more pleasant interfaces for the end-user
- end-users can do their searches when they want (instead or
relying on the 
  kindness of a stranger) 
- availability to an unlimited number of users (in theory)

However, in those days of right-sizing, we should be aware
that most of the time, money talks.  Even though we may have
some questions about Gay's work, we should nonetheless learn
about the weapons of the administrative bean counters.  ;-) 

--
Andre Gionet
Calgary, Alberta
agionet at nucleus.com