A lower bound cost benefit model for information services

摘要

This paper describes an economic modeling approach to evaluating the costs and benefits associated with providing information services through information centers. The approach develops a framework for understanding observations about the demand for scientific and technical information and integrating these observations with fundamental economic principles. The resulting cost and benefit models permit estimating a lower bound on benefits and the calculations of net benefits (benefits less costs). The paper includes example calculations for information analysis centers and illustrates, through sensitivity analyses, how changes in parameter values can change the outcome of the calculations.