Economic aspects of a resource discovery network

Economic aspects of a resource discovery network (RDN) consisting of a centre and eight subject‐based hubs were explored using Ithink Analyst, a modelling software package. A model was developed and simulations were used to monitor the effect of variations in the values of key model elements. The model was based on a recent report which suggested that a RDN could survive on a combination of grant funding and sponsorship. Model elements were manipulated to determine the level of sponsorship required for a RDN to be self sustaining within ten years if grant funding contributed 50% of required income. Additional simulations were used to explore the feasibility of subscription as an income source. The results suggest that with a combination of sponsorship and subscriptions income a RDN could succeed without grant funding within ten years of its launch.