An analysis of cost factors in maintaining and updating card catalogs
Journal of library automation
[December 1969]
Dolby, J L~Forsyth, V J
.
Abstract: This study enumerates and compares costs of manual and computerized catalogs. The difficulties of making comparative cost studies are examined. The report concentrates on the problems of cost element definition and on the reporting of as many comparable sources as possible. Results of cost studies are presented in the form of tables that show comparative costs of cataloging, card processing, conversion, and manual and computerized processing. There are also tables on card catalog costs. Conclusions are that costs of manual and automated methods are essentially the same for short entries, and that there is a substantial economic advantage for automated methods in full entries.
https://librarytechnology.org/document/1995/