ABSTRACT
Budgetary considerations involved in integrating the use of on-line database searching as a ready reference tool are examined. A distinction is made between the use of on-line searching for ready reference at a public desk and computerized literature searching in academic or special libraries. There are suggestions for developing a methodology to analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of using on-line and print sources. The author implies that the use of on-line databases for ready reference is philosophically no different than the use of any other type of reference source, therefore, special treatment in budgeting for online searching used in support of ready reference is unwarranted and antithetical to a full service policy.
