Cost Analysis of an Automated and Manual Cataloging and Book Processing System

Joselyn Druschel

doi:10.6017/ital.v14i1.3161

Abstract

A comparative cost analysis of an automated network system (WLN) and a local manual system of cataloging and book processing at Washington State University Libraries indicates that the automated system is about 20 percent less costly than the manual system. A per-unit cost approach was used in calculating the monthly cost of each system based on the average number of items processed per month under the automated system. The process and the results of the analysis are presented in a series of charts which detail the tasks, items processed, unit and total monthly costs of both the manual and automated systems. The higher costs of the manual system were essentially staff costs.

Highlights

A comparative cost analysis of an automated network system (WLN) and a local manual system of cataloging and book processing at Washington State University Libraries indicates that the automated system is about 20 percent less costly than the manual system
The anticipated life span of this equipment should be considerably greater than that of terminals and modems, it has been amortized over a five-year period
The rationale for this period of amortization is that the rate of growth of the files for which the equipment is used results in the purchase of additional equipment equivalent to the expected replacement of electronic equipment

Summary

METHODOLOGY

Each process or task in which the staff were engaged in cataloging and book processing was identified. The per-unit cost-e.g., staff, data base, materials-of each process was calculated. Monthly costs were determined by multiplying the average number of items processed per month by the unit cost per task. Equipment costs-purchase, lease, maintenance-were calculated separately, and are included in the summary cost data for each system (table 3). The staff of the TSD Cataloging and Book Processing Unit perform the following functions: bibliographic verification, bibliographic record production, bibliographic record maintenance, the marking of materials, binding preparation and receipt (for most of the library system), and the preparation of book cards. LT III (.117/min @ 3 min/item) .351 Bibliographic Searching IDC Microfiche Search (LC and CIP Copy) LT I (.084/min @ 3 min/item) $ .252 LT II (.094/min@ 3 min/item) .282 LT III (.117/min @ 3 min/item) .351

Miscellaneous Bibliographic

Miscellaneous Costs

Card catalogs 5 Kardex units 2 Linedex units

Findings

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION