Cloud Computing in Libraries

     We’ve all heard of the Cloud by now, but understanding what it actually is can be confusing. In her article “Libraries in the Cloud: Making a Case for Google and Amazon,” Stephanie Buck defines cloud computing as “the availability of IT-type needs offered as services, often through a third-party vendor” (2009, 6). While the cloud provides different types of services, the two services most beneficial to libraries are data storage and software as a service. Putting the burdens of server maintenance and software updates on an outside vendor clears up workflow time (and often extra funds) for libraries to enjoy. Many smaller libraries could even get away with using free services like Google Apps for their in-house data management and save even more money (2009, 10). 

     Libraries with deep digital collections could benefit greatly from using cloud-based data storage. Doing so would ease the library’s bandwidth and allow patrons to access the collections even faster. “…with faster retrieval times for patron requests and more local server space, it could improve storage solutions for libraries” (2009, 10). 

     As more and more digital content is created every minute, having adequate server storage space is critical. Libraries need to make sure they keep up with everyone else and utilize this important technology. Changing like this will affect many libraries and their staff in different ways, but the transformation is necessary and will lead to a more advanced future for data access and retrieval.

    

Resources

Buck, Stephanie. "Libraries in the Cloud: Making a Case for Google and Amazon." Computers in Libraries, vol. 29, no. 8, Sept. 2009, pp. 6-10. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=44301305&site=ehost-live&scope=site.