The cost of an on‐Line circulation system

The unit costs are derived of the presently operating manual circulation system at Queen's University, and the on‐line computer‐aided system in process of development. For the period 1971–1975, during which the computer system is expected to be fully operational, they are: manual system 8.2 pence per loan, computer system 9.4 pence per loan. The computer system is thus 15% more expensive, but it will effect a 45% reduction in the library staff time devoted to circulation work.