Cost-Benefit Analysis of Digital Resources: Evaluating the Financial Impact of Digital vs. Print Resources in Academic Libraries

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Digital Resources: Evaluating the Financial Impact of Digital vs. Print Resources in Academic Libraries

Mr .Ajit M.Hirkane

Loknete Manikrao Gavit College Visarwadi

Tal.Navapur Dist.Nandurbar

Email- arpalhirkane@gmail.com

Mobil No. -9021984427

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of digital and print resources in academic libraries to evaluate their financial implications and sustainability. As libraries face increasing budget constraints and rising costs of scholarly resources, understanding the trade-offs between digital and print collections has become essential for effective financial management. The analysis explores acquisition costs, maintenance expenses, accessibility, and long-term financial sustainability for both formats. Findings indicate that while digital resources require higher initial investments due to subscription fees, IT infrastructure, and licensing, their long-term benefits-such as lower maintenance costs, reduced space requirements, and enhanced accessibility- make them a financially sustainable choice. In contrast, print resources, despite lower initial costs, present ongoing financial challenges due to high storage, preservation, and handling expenses. The study concludes that adopting a balanced hybrid approach, integrating both digital and print resources based on user needs and budget constraints, offers the most effective strategy for academic libraries to manage costs and maintain service quality.

DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2503I01S01V13P0010

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