Cloud Computing in Libraries - Clearing the Way for Cloud Computing

With every increasing reliance on digital data, libraries have little choice but to employ some form of cloud computing. Interconnectivity between systems and libraries within systems has many benefits, including increased collaboration and reduction of human errors as data that is stored can be updated, checked, and corrected by anyone with access to the system. Data that is not backed up or shared via cloud would be susceptible to host of threats, as one study concluded: “. . .component failures, obsolescence, human-operation errors, natural disasters, attacks, or management errors are some common difficulties that must be carefully studied when implementing a digital library. These threats may be minimized using a distributed data-storage approach” (44). Security of data, as well as accessibility, is vital for libraries not only to be better able to serve patron needs, but to maintain security and relevance in the digital age.

Image from online article "Libraries Turn to Cloud Computing for Storage Needs"

With cloud storage, patron data is available across the system, and although this presents unique security concerns, so long as these concerns are met, patrons receive more accurate, more efficient service among library branches and across systems. Cloud computing may save libraries money in storage costs as “storage resources are provisioned on demand and are

paid according to consumption” (35). While machines, including on-site computers and servers, need to be upgraded and maintained (increasing the risk of data loss each time they undergo maintenance), cloud-based storage and sharing means that the need for on-site storage is drastically reduced, with only accessing technology needing to be updated and maintained. 

Video: Bloomberg BNA Librarian Analyst Laura Gordon-Murnane discusses the myriad ways librarians are effectively deploying cloud computing in this clip from her presentation at Computers in Libraries 2018.

There is always the issue of loss of internet, which has happened to several libraries I have been in. Unfortunately, libraries and patrons cannot have it both ways, and, facing prohibitive costs in terms of on-site space and storage as well as considering the improvements in workflow and service, cloud computing is a necessity and must be embraced by all library community members.

For further reading, a recent article on Library and Cloud Computing: https://www.nutanix.com/theforecastbynutanix/industry/libraries-turn-to-cloud-computing-for-storage-needs

Link to Video: https://cil.brightcovegallery.com/detail/videos/2018-short-cuts/video/5793396057001/how-are-libraries-using-cloud-computing?autoStart=true

Works Cited

Sosa-Sosa, Victor Jesús, and Emigdio M. Hernandez-Ramirez. “A File Storage Service on a Cloud Computing Environment for Digital Libraries.” Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 31, no. 4, Dec. 2012, pp. 34–45. EBSCOhost, doi:10.6017/ital.v31i4.1844.