The true cost

Purpose - This column takes a critical look at how technology projects are valued according to various cost factors. Those factors are examined, and a proposal is made regarding the use of agile scrum to overcome the limitations of standard cost analysis. Standard cost analysis based on time and financial burden limit the ability of library leadership to make innovative and visionary decisions concerning library strategy vis-a-vis technology. Design/methodology/approach - This is a regular column. The material was written based on experience and familiarity with current issues as well as a literature review. Findings - As this is a regular column that is exploratory and speculative in nature, there are no formal findings. The conclusion is based on the ideas presented in the column narrative. Originality/value - The average approach to cost analysis, otherwise known as the return on investment, stifles the ability of library leadership to make strategic decisions that are focused on opportunities and relevance. Agile scrum is not simply a method to organize and manage software development projects. It transforms the thinking of an organization and establishes a decision-making model that places concerns at the appropriate level so that libraries can be nimble with regard to technology implementation.