A Cost-benefit Analysis of the Integrated Systems in the Iranian Academic Libraries

The main aim of this study was to determine the cost-utility of the integrated systems in the Iranian academic libraries.
This applied research was conducted through a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 118 academic libraries among which 75 libraries were selected using stratified sampling method. The researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among them. Finally 73 questionnaires were collected and the related data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS.
Findings: Security and functionality were the most important priorities of choosing ILS by the libraries. Amongst the evaluated ILSs, Payam-e-Mashregh was the least costly system and the self-made systems were the most costly ones. Besides, Payam-e-Mashregh was the most satisfactory system while the least satisfaction was with the self-made systems. Finally, Payam-e-Mashregh had the best cost-utility ratio.