Using cost benefit analysis to justify digital library projects

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe how cost benefit analysis can be used as a tool for financial-based decision making in digital library project management. Design/methodology/approach: Using theory and example, the author discusses the use of cost benefit analysis in cases where the financial value of costs versus benefits must be considered. Findings: Cost benefit analysis is useful as a tool for making project decisions based on financial considerations. However, given the inherent subjectivity of valuation of intangibles, the outcome of a cost benefit analysis is not absolute. Originality/value: This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by applying a tool that has been traditionally used in large-scale, governmental project plans to the world of library project management. In doing so, project managers in libraries will be better prepared to make decisions based on financial considerations. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.