Cloud Computing and Libraries, Part 2

Last time we discussed the advantages and benefits for adopting cloud computing in a library environment. Today we will be talking about some cloud applications that can be applied to libraries and some real-world examples of cloud computing in libraries.

Bansode and Pujar (2012) have suggested several areas where libraries can benefit from cloud computing (p. 509). Here are a few:

• Automation: Libraries that have adopted automation technologies have done so with the hope that it will help with the day-to-day operations that often take up quite a bit of the librarians time. At the moment, most automation processes are done through integrated library software hosted on local software and managed by an internal IT staff or by some library personell. Taking the cloud approach, libraries could purchase software as a service (SaaS) from a vendor and would be free from having to purchase or maintain hardware and would not be responsible for updates. This would save library staff time and money, allowing them to invest these resources elsewhere.
• Digital Library Services: Digital libraries are in a peculiar place, having to locally host special software and maintain regular updates. Some vendors are beginning to offer this software on the cloud using the SaaS approach. This would alleviate the need for library or IT staff to have to regularly maintain specialized software.
• Office Applications: Libraries as well as other businesses spend funds on office applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Now, these same programs can be accessed on the cloud through companies like Google or Microsoft. This also allows access to documents from any computer, so various staff members can access and edit the same document from anywhere. 
• Storage: digital storage is one of cloud computing greatest draws and advantages. Capable of storing several gigabytes of information and currently costing the user nothing, storage in the cloud can help free up some space on personal computers and proxy servers. Storage on the cloud can also promote collaboration between libraries.
• Website Hosting: Next to storage, website hosting in the cloud is one of cloud computing's most popular attractions. Cloud hosting uses data centers, which employ the uses of hundreds of servers to host an organizations website. The beauty of this arrangement is that is pay-per-use, so that the site gets all the space and bandwidth it needs; no more, no less.

Cloud computing offers a wide range of services that can be used to increase productivity in a library or information center setting. While library-specific applications are still few in number there are other applications that can help with daily activities. Sorensen and Glassman (2011) have suggested the use of calendars, forms, blogs and surveys that can be added to a library's website or be a free-standing application in itself (p. 247). Calendars can be found on Google and Zoho and can be embedded into a website for easy access to such information as library hours and academic schedules. Forms are necessary in any business environment and Zoho Docs and Google Drive can be used to create and store forms in the cloud. For libraries that want to use blogs, sites like wordpress and drupal are easy to create and manage. These sites can become a website in themselves or can be used to post news to a library's website. For those doing research, surveys are very useful and it is recommended to use surveymonkey.com or zoomerang.com. However, these survey services are subscription-based. 

Companies like Google and Amazon are leading the way in business related cloud applications. However, what are some real-life examples of library-based cloud computing? At present there are two good examples: OCLC's webscale and Ex-Libris cloud. According to Bansode and Pujar (2012) OCLC is moving to implement a management system that will allow libraries to manage collection life cycles in a cloud environment and will promote cost-efficiency and better service (p. 508). Ex-libris has, according to Bansode and Pujar (2012) developed a new library system, dubbed Alma, that will be entirely based in the cloud (p. 508). The centralized cloud service will allow libraries to collaborate easier and provide better service to its patrons. To achieve this Ex-libris has installed several data centers to provide maximum efficiency. 

Cloud computing is an innovative technology that can provide cost saving services to libraries and information centers. In this age of fast-paced, always-on information culture, it is clear that this technology is not going anywhere. The applications and uses for this medium is far-reaching and will only improve with time. When it come to cloud computing, well, the sky is the limit.

To learn more about cloud computing in libraries, visit these links:

Cloud Computing for Libraries by Marshall Breeding

Cloud Computing and its affect on libraries

Library Cloud Atlas

Library Cloud Pros and Cons

Bansode, S. Y. & Pujar, S.M. (2012). Cloud Computing in Libraries. Journal of Library & Information Technology, 32(6), 506-512.

Sorensen, K. & Glassman, N. R. (2011). From Desktop to Cloud: A Primer on Internet-Based Computing for Librarians. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries, 8(3), 243-255.