The golden mean

Abstract

Purpose

This column aims to explore the consequences of making uninformed technology decisions in the context of strategic planning for digital library environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the consequences of making uninformed technology decisions.

Findings

This column recommends a balanced approach for funding digital library initiatives.

Practical implications

Given the rapidly changing landscape of the information highway, it is difficult especially for decision makers in library organizations to plan well for digital initiatives. Cutting edge services such as cloud‐based computing offer a mirage of hope in many instances and need to be carefully scrutinized before the first penny has been allocated from a library budget.

Originality/value

This column prescribes a cautionary note for digital libraries of the twenty‐first century. While many vendor‐based services (such as “software as a service”) are initially attractive, vendor lock‐in and lack of control over critical library services can prove fatal.

Citation

Fox, R. (2011), "The golden mean", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 10-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650751111106519