Serials automation: A look at financial considerations

The recent tendency to move away from centrally operated nationwide serials automation has stimulated a new thrust in the development of micro and mini computer based serials systems. For example, PERLINE, INNOVACQ, OCLCs Serials Control 350, and the Faxon Co.% MicroLinx immediately loom as possible alternatives or are at least illustrative of locally operated systems. Juxtaposed to the decision to acquire any of these or other developing systems is a series of financial considerations. Central to the choice, then, of a system are such factors as capital funding, data conversion or transfer, staff wages associated with implementing the system, additional new costs or possible savings associated with operating a new system, the purchase of supporting supplies and maintenance, and the possible costs of running two systems during a transition period.