The Impact of Cloud Computing in Academic Libraries

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.

Harris, S. (2014). Bright Future with Library Clouds. Research Information. Retrieved June 3, 2015 from http://www.researchinformation.info/features/feature.php?feature_id=486

Goldner, M (2010). Winds of Change: Libraries and Cloud Computing. OCLC. Retrieved June 3, 2015 from http://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/events/2011/files/IFLA-winds-of-change-paper.pdf

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.