Introduction
Cloud
computing is not necessarily a new concept but an ever increasing emerging
technology that is infiltrating academic libraries today. The “cloud’ is accessible through any
Internet web browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or
Safari wherever internet service is available.
According to Mavodza (2012), cloud computing is the “delivering of
hosted electronic services over the internet” (p.133). Tritt and Kendrick (2014) asserts that cloud
computing transforms how computing services are accessed and managed by the
reliance on “remote access to robust computing power” (p.2). Anyone connected to the World Wide Web have engaged
in cloud computing whether cognizant or unaware. For example, accessing email daily via web-based
accounts such as Yahoo mail or Gmail, organizing photographs using Flicker, “face
timing” or “skyping” a distant relative are all examples of common uses of
cloud computing technologies. Additionally, data collection services such
SurveyMonkey and Google Forms are examples of cloud computing services along
with online presentation services such as YouTube, Vimeo, Prezi and SlideShare. Calendar services such as Google Calendar and
Doodle Polls are other examples of cloud computing along with the use of social
media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.
The
concept of cloud computing is access to on-demand information by way of the
Internet to afford users a convenient and flexible avenue to online resources and
services from remote locations. Academic
institutions rely heavily on cloud computing to provide resources and support
to students who are not on physically on campus, but are distance learners. Current college enrollment trends suggests
that there is a decrease number of first-time freshmen entering college, which implies
that many incoming students at academic institutions are non-traditional
students who rely on cloud computing to further education. Furthermore, cloud computing is beneficial
and impactful in librarianship by improving workflow and collaboration in
virtual spaces.
Literature
Review
There
are three main models of cloud computing according to Mavodza (2012) and when deciding
on which model to adopt in a library framework, one must consider the kind of
services involved, the infrastructure used, the application platform and all
associated applications. The
Infrastructure as a Server (IaaS) refers to the space and time that users can
purchase in order to use external servers for electronic storage (Mavodza
2012). IaaS is also used when there is
existing software such as an integrated library system or open source software
such as Koha. Software as a service
(SaaS) is designed for end users and available over the internet. Examples of SaaS include file sharing
services such as Google Docs, Evernote and Dropbox according to Tritt and
Kendrick (2014). SaaS is commonly used by those with limited expertise, staff,
time or infrastructure to implement and support various computing services
(Tritt and Kendrick, 2014, p. 2). Platform as a Service (PaaS) refers to existing
software such as Integrated Library Systems who may use open source software (Mavodza,
2012, p. 134).
Many
academic libraries are adopting the bookless, virtual library concept in a
digital age compelling library services to be made available and accessible
online; therefore, cloud computing makes the provision of library services
virtual. Cloud-based services that
academic libraries offer include delivering electronic books (e-books), online
reference assistance (Ask-A-Librarian), and library guides to support academic
research. Cloud services allows students to access virtual resources and
services via the Internet. Khot (2014)
suggests that e-learning is a growing area for colleges that offer online
courses; therefore, cloud computing is the “ideal infrastructure for e-learning
solutions by facilitating educational services through cloud providers”
(p.243). Tritt and Kendrick (2014)
examines the impact of librarian’s workflow in a study and the results revealed
that seventy-two percent of respondents indicated that cloud computing
positively altered their workflow mobility, efficiency, and collaboration
efforts. The study revealed that an
increase of mobility allowed librarians more flexibility and ability to be more
productive while covering service areas in the library. Khot (2014) acknowledges that cloud computing
allows librarians the “time and energy to offer users their needed knowledge
based services but not only information” p. 243). Survey respondents stated that cloud services
allowed information to be accessed for numerous locations and devices which is
advantageous for students on the go according to Tritt and Kendrick (2014). The study also revealed that workflow
efficiency improved by allowing librarians to deploy services and resources quickly
without necessitating equipment or software purchases. Furthermore, the study indicated that the use
of cloud computing allowed more collaboration by allowing librarian’s the
ability to share content with users and colleagues at distant locations and
other institutions (Tritt and Kendrick, 2014).
Goldner (2010) emphasizes that collaboration is made possible with cloud
computing enabling libraries to “share pools of data for cooperative collection
building, cooperative preservation or digitization, and cooperative sharing of
materials” (p.8). The use of cloud
computing also allows academic libraries to support current library services.
According to survey results revealed by Tritt and Kendrick (2014), library
service benefits shared by survey participants in the use of cloud computing
included mobile flexibility and the convenience of communicating via cloud. One respondent emphatically emphasized that
“collaboration with colleagues in other libraries simply would not be possible
without cloud computing” (Tritt and Kendrick, 2014, p. 5). Tritt
and Kendrick (2014) also uncovered that thirty-five percent of survey
participants stated that cloud computing was often used to support library
services, while twenty-eight percent revealed that cloud computing was always
used to support library services.
Additionally, forty-five percent of survey respondents indicated that
they were able to implement new library services due to cloud computing (Tritt
and Kendrick, 2014, p. 5). New services
such as IL tutorials hosted on YouTube and library assessments through Google
forms were a couple of new services implemented as a result of cloud computing. One final benefit that Tritt and Kendrick
(2014) uncovered in the study was the impact of cloud computing on library
workplace technology barriers. One
respondent in the study reported that cloud computing has allowed access to
services that the campus IT department was unable or unwilling to provide which
benefits the library in receiving assistance from third parties when technical
help is needed (Tritt and Kendrick, 2014).
Harris (2014) remarks that cloud computing allows for a “decreased need
for in-house technical expertise” (p. 2).
While cloud computing technologies offers a plethora of
advantages, there are existing barriers.
According to Mavodza (2012) there are concerns that cloud computing
promulgates such as the feeling of a loss of control about data ownership, data
security, patron data privacy, usability and standardization issues, bandwidth
requirements and backup storage costs. Tritt
and Kendrick (2014) report that according to data received from survey
respondents about the barriers to cloud computing at academic institutions,
respondents indicated that the lack of time and expertise to train staff hindered
the use of cloud computing technologies.
One respondent asserted that “many cloud services require most all
employees to use them to demonstrate their full benefits and while progress has
happened, many employees are hesitant or unable to learn on their own and
require technical training (Tritt and Kendrick, 2014, p. 6). Furthermore, institutional barriers which
prohibit the use of certain cloud computing services such storing data to Dropbox
or Evernote and streaming videos due to network bandwidth limits imposed
restrictions enforced by the IT department.
Tritt and Kendrick (2014) also
reported that survey data revealed concerns about privacy and security. One survey respondent indicated that there
was a lack of trust of sending sensitive and important information “on the
cloud.” Harris (2014) continues to
emphasis that privacy and security remains a big concern for libraries who are
thinking about cloud computing.
Conclusion
The
emergence of cloud computing has promising benefits for academic libraries to
promote services and resources to students, faculty, staff, and library
colleagues at a distance and remain relevant in a digital information era. The ability to communicate via cloud saves
time and money. Khot (2014) confirms that
cloud computing allows students to “save both time and money when they no
longer need to install applications on their personal computers in order to
work at home” (p.243). Libraries and
library professions depend on cloud services as a source of information seeking
tools when accessing online catalogs such as Worldcat or the Online Computer
Library Center (OCLC).
While
libraries are consistently undergoing budget restraints and cut-backs, cloud computing
allows the provision of teleconferences and webinars via cloud in order for librarians
use to continue professional development and training. The convenience of cloud computing
contributes significantly to these online avenues of lifelong learning. Lastly, librarians are wearing numerous hats
while serving in varying capacities such reference and instructional
roles. Cloud computing allows librarians
to be available to students by removing the physical time required to help a
student with a task such as printing and allot more time for other inquiries
such research assistance. Even with
research, cloud computing offers the convenience of students gaining instant access
to online library guides which houses academic video tutorials and access to
electronic databases such as ProQuest, ERIC, and Academic Search Complete. These library tools and more can be viewed
virtually anywhere while allowing the library to remain a viable and relevant
online source of information. Golden (2010) stresses that cloud computing
allows the library community to “build a significant, unified presence on the
Web” (p.6) which I believe is an important entity in an era where the ways in
which libraries are being utilized is changing rapidly.
In order to make a sound decision while
considering adopting cloud computing in academic libraries, library
professionals and directors must be cognizant about the advantages and barriers
that may affect the effectiveness of cloud computing while considering how this
technology may impact and support institutional goals and the mission of the
library.
References
Gopalaswamy,
M. g., & Kumar, S. N. (2012). Cloud Computing Technology: A Boon for
Library and Information Services. Indian Journal of Library &
Information Science, 6(3), 173-179.
Khot,
N. n. (2014). Cloud Computing: Types, Services and Application in Academic
Libraries. International Journal of Information Dissemination &
Technology, 4(3), 240-243.
Mavodza,
J. (2013). The impact of cloud computing on the future of academic library
practices and services. New Library World, 114(3), 132-141.
doi:10.1108/03074801311304041
Tritt,
D. d., & Davis Kendrick, K. k. (2014). Impact of Cloud Computing on
Librarians at Small and Rural Academic Libraries.Southeastern Librarian, 62(3),
2-11.
