Library expense control: a system dynamics approach

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this article is to propose a model to study the expenses of an RFID‐based library system. For this purpose risk‐benefit factors using causal loop concepts are studied and identified. Then, a flow diagram is developed and the mathematical formulation of the proposed model is presented and used for simulation purposes.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is written based on research and observations from scientific journals and reports. For this purpose key elements of risks and benefits of radio frequency identification in library services are identified. For model development purposes the concepts of systems thinking and system dynamics are employed. The systems thinking perspective is used as a tool to relate key factors of risks and benefits, and system dynamics are used to simulate the model of the problem.Findings – Systems thinking can provide an efficient way to analyze the risks, benefits, and the risk‐benefit phenomena of systems. The use of system dynamics allows us to lo...