Prior
to this project, I was relatively unfamiliar with the concept of the cloud. I’d
heard the phrase, but assumed that it primarily involved off-site electronic document
storage. While this is one facet of the cloud, it goes far beyond this concept
and is becoming an integral part of libraries and information management.
The
cloud can be defined as remote servers networked and hosted online to process,
store, and manage data. Like many organizations, libraries could benefit from
making the transition to cloud computing for a variety of their digital needs. In
fact, the author of this article believes that cloud computing will “radically
transform” the technologies and operational needs of libraries. It’s important
that libraries and organizations do their homework and transition to the cloud
gradually.
Cloud
computing will play a large role in contributing to library automation in the
future. Before transitioning to the cloud, libraries should look at their current
digital needs and estimate their storage usage. Initial costs for transitioning
to cloud computing can be high, so libraries should be aware of their needs. A
transition to cloud computing would allow for libraries to keep up-to-date with
the changes and developments in technology in recent years. By embracing the
need for change for in regards to electronic and digital materials, cloud
computing for library automation systems supports a wider range of content.
As
with many technologies, the transfer and transition to cloud computing requires
patience. The author of this article, as well as other cloud computing experts,
recommend a gradual transition over time. Although it will take time, the
author believes eventually, cloud computing will be the norm for all libraries
and local applications will generally be a thing of the past.
I
will be interested to see how cloud computing takes off in the future, and how
it will impact the library and information sciences profession. I’m curious how
many libraries are in the process of making the transition, or how many already
have. I’d also like to know if all libraries will eventually make the
transition to cloud computing for automation purposes, or if some will continue
to utilize widely local applications. Cloud computing could revolutionize the
way libraries operate and could vastly change the daily operational needs of
libraries in years to come.
Questions:
What
are some advantages and disadvantages specific to libraries in switching to the
cloud?
Will
local applications always have a place in libraries? In what ways?
Reference:
Breeding, Marshall (2011). "A Cloudy Forecast for Libraries." Computers in Libraries. Retrieved from: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/sep11/Breeding.shtml.
Breeding, Marshall (2011). "A Cloudy Forecast for Libraries." Computers in Libraries. Retrieved from: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/sep11/Breeding.shtml.
One of the advantages of the cloud would be the use of applications such as OverDrive. With OverDrive, libraries would be able to lend their eBooks, audiobooks, and music to their patrons via mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.). While bolstering the use of such items, however, it may also avert patrons from visiting the library; users would have access from anywhere. So how could a library provide such a service and still bring patrons to the library?
ReplyDeleteIn your blog you stated, "Cloud computing will play a large role in contributing to library automation in the future." Do you think it could lead to so much automation that the people who want that human interaction are dissuaded from coming to the library? I suppose I am wondering the same thing as Stephen. How can a library provide the service and still bring patrons to the library?
ReplyDeleteWith the technology gap, I think that some patrons will still go the library because not everyone has access to a computer at home.
Absolutely. There are those that will continue to visit libraries simply because of a lack of computer/Internet access at home. Additionally, I think that instructional courses, activities/functions for the community, and special collections (if kept on-location and not shared via the cloud) will also keep the public's interest. Is this enough?
ReplyDeleteI've not been contemplating in-library population counts because ultimately whether physical or virtual the usage is what counts. As mobile devices become more common there might not be as great a need for computers with Internet access. That is already occurring in planning for Information Commons in academia. So what trend is presenting to draw patrons in? We've been exposed to discussion of SpaceMaker/3D printing centers and Video studio/presentation rooms. Need I say "if you build it they will come"? Cloud computing enables, both economically and efficiently, this technological tide from the way I read it.
ReplyDeleteGiven the initial expense of cloud computing, how many small libraries can afford the migration (except as part of a consortium)? I'm also thinking that a wholesale push to cloud computing may discourage patrons from visiting the library if they are able to access the services Stephen mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI think cloud computing would be a great asset to our small libraries- especially when sharing documents but there is definitely no money in the budget to accomplish this at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this however I do think we could definitely play around with using Google Drive for sharing information and storing ideas. At least this would be a good way to introduce the staff to cloud computing.
I love attempting to explain to patrons about using a cloud-- especially on Kindles. Usually I attempt to show them on my own Kindle. Bringing back a book that I have purchased but have taken off the device. Sometimes that visual helps them. Sometimes not!
An advantage would be the ease of document sharing, a disadvantage is cost. I do see libraries going in this direction in the future, but as stated in the article, it should be a slow process.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think it will become the standard in the future, but before librarians begin switching they should consider the factors like cost, security and which cloud service provider is best. The decision-making process should be slow and thorough.
DeleteAn advantage of libraries using cloud computing would the relatively easiness of file sharing and an "abundance" of storage. A disadvantage would be the cost to implement this. Larger institutions are migrating to the crowd, but that is because they have the budget to do so. For a smaller library this would not be practical and not the first place to spend allocated funds.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the most useful advantages of a library switching to using cloud storage is being able to have multiple people access the information from many different locations. Freeing up actual physical storage space would also be a major advantage. I think there could be a potential downfall or disadvantage if the internet system happens to be down at the library, when trying to access the information. It would also be interesting to see how patrons would react to knowing their information regarding their accounts is stored on the cloud, if they are unsure or aware of what could storage really is.
ReplyDeleteI do think cloud service is where we are headed but one that librarians and libraries need to research thoroughly.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of large organizations, I can see the cloud as a good thing - if they have a great deal of data to store, the cloud could work out well. But as an individual, I worry about the intellectual property end of it - just as people are freaked out with social media like Facebook using their information, I would worry about what could happen in the cloud.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If we are storing our patron's information and borrowing histories in the cloud, we should make absolutely sure that that information is secure and private.
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