Purpose: To provide a general list of factors that affects and determines the full use of library information management systems (LIMS) by library staff. Design/methodology/approach: The factors, which were identified mainly during participation in the implementation of automation projects in Greece, are listed and briefly analysed in categories relevant to the system aspect and to the library aspect. Findings: A balanced coverage of all factors should guide towards a full use of an LIMS. Certainly, in cases where detailed documentation and so on are needed, this approach is not enough, but as a starting-point it might be useful. Originality/value: The list of factors could be used as a checklist by anyone wishing to investigate or control the reasons for the full use, or not, of an LIMS in a specific library as well as the existing conditions prior to installing an LIMS.