Cloud computing and Libraries, part 1

Now that we have laid the ground work for cloud computing, let's apply this concept to libraries. How can libraries benefit from cloud computing? What are the concerns surrounding cloud computing?

Libraries have never been static institutions. They are constantly changing and evolving to provide better service to their patron base. In this digital age, libraries have taken steps to fuse technology with the written word to further their mission of promoting the free exchange of information. With cloud computing, libraries can take their mission a step further.

Goldner (2010) has suggested severals areas where cloud computing can help libraries improve their service:

• Most libraries are using systems that were built with pre-Web technologies. When these outdated systems are distributed on the Web they are harder to integrate and results in increased costs. Upgrading to cloud services can help make storing and sharing information easier and less costly.
• Library information is scattered across various systems on the Web, which makes Web presence weaker and increases the chance of missing users. Switching to a unified cloud system will place more information in one place, helping users find more information faster, making collaboration simpler between libraries and increases the Web presences of libraries and information centers.
• Libraries store and maintain similar data over and over again. Moving this data to a cloud environment can help reduce redundancy, saving time and money spent on these tasks.
• Many of these distributed systems use very little of their capacity. Consolidating these systems in a cloud environment can reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption, making libraries more energy efficient.

For libraries one of the major advantages of cloud computing is information sharing and consolidated web space. However, this is just one of many advantages of cloud computing for libraries.

Han (2010) had identified several other advantages and concerns for libraries to consider before moving to a cloud-based platform (p. 90). The first of these is cost-effectiveness due to that fact that administrators do not have to worry about hardware and the cost it incurs. Cloud computing takes out the need for hardware other than the computer being used to access the cloud. Next is flexibility owing to the "always ready" nature of cloud computing. Projects can begin immediately, as there is no need to set-up additional hardware or calibrate a new system. The cloud is always accessible and available for updates. This attribute also relates to the scalability feature of cloud computing, which allows users to add to the existing infrastructure. Most cloud computing services are pay-for-use, so users are only paying for the services they use. The next advantage is data safety. Data stored in cloud infrastructures are essentially data centers located miles and miles away. This provides a safety net in case of a natural disaster near the physical library and most of these sites provide regular data back-ups. High availability is a major advantage for most industries considering cloud computing. This is because most of the companies pioneering cloud computing (i.e. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft) have extensive resources to provide data sites that make cloud computing possible and affordable. Lastly, cloud computing has the ability to handle large amounts of data. The cloud gives users as much processing power as they need and can handle vast amounts of data.

While there are several good reasons to use cloud computing, Han (2010) also points out some concerns that should be addressed before converting to a cloud infrastructure (p.90). The first issue is availability of a service which concerns service outages. From time to time sites go down and services are not available. Most major cloud platforms are consistent and rarely go down, but if it's necessary to have access to services/data at all times, it is suggested to either keep the data stored locally or have duplicate data stored on another cloud platform. The next issue is data confidentiality which is a very central topic of discussion. Moving data into the cloud can put confidential information in a vulnerable position. However, most cloud services come equipped with data encryption and data security services, such as firewalls, can be added. Data transfer bottleneck is an issue if the local area network has limited bandwidth. Moving large amounts of data can take considerable time and it is recommended that transfers, like this should be done during early morning hours when the network is not in use.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is a good option collaboration and information exchange. Cloud computing will make sharing resources much easier and cost-efficient for libraries. Despite the possible risks involved, there will most likely be an increased used of cloud technologies in a variety of libraries in the years to come.

Since this is a long post, it will be split up into two parts. Next time we will cover some cloud applications that apply directly to libraries and some real-world cloud computing projects focused on the library sector.

Goldner, Matthew R. (2010). Winds of Change: Libraries and Cloud Computing. Bibliothek Forschung und Praxis, 34(3) 270-275.

Han, Yan. (2010). On the Clouds: A New Way of Computing. Information Technology and Libraries. 29(2), 87-92.