OCLC Systems & Services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the role comprehensive business cases can have in ensuring the successful adoption of a digital library project.

Design/methodology/approach – Using theory and practice from information technology in both profit and non-profit organizations, the author develops a methodology for developing a successful business case for digital library projects.

Findings – One of the major tasks a digital library project manager faces is getting their project approved and in the queue for development. By exploiting the full potential of the planning phase of the SDLC (systems development lifecycle), a digital project manager can develop a compelling business case for their proposed project. By using SWOT analysis as well as additional considerations, the project manager should identify how the project will address critical organizational (business) issues and success factors as well as provide a compelling case for action. In particular, the most successful business cases develop compelling cases for action by carefully crafting solid arguments for why the digital project being proposed is the most important project an organization to undertake out of all the potential projects that might exist.

Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in the digital project management literature by providing a step-by-step process for developing compelling business cases for digital library projects.