Cloud Computing in Libraries

The whole world is evolving into the technological age, and libraries are not exempt. Libraries everywhere are making the shift to cloud computing in order to make themselves more available to their patrons, and to help themselves and the growing infrastructures and services they have.

Students and teachers are already utilizing cloud computing through web-based services like Google Docs and Google Slides, which are great alternatives to Microsoft Office products. It seems like it's time libraries step up to the plate as well.

In the article “Implementing a New Cloud Computing Library Management Service: A Symbiotic 
Approach”, we learn about how Pepperdine University is utilizing OCLC’s WorldShare Management Services, which is a nonprofit, membership, computer based library service. It provides not only access to huge databases that both the library and its patrons can access, but it also provides a reduced cost compared to other library systems. (Dula et al. p 7)

Through cloud computing, libraries can manage digital collections, organize interlibrary loans, and implement new discovery systems in a fashion that is so much easier than it previously had been. Library staff can identify items on reserve, for different classes, and the library as a whole can share hardware, services and data. This is great for libraries, because the more libraries that utilize all of the great technology available, like cloud computing, the more accessible information will be for everyone. This will also bring people back to the library, because what might have seemed obsolete a few years back has become very important to us again. (Dula et al. 7, 39)

If you still have questions about cloud computing, watch this video by HighTechDad!