Cloud computing and libraries

Cloud computing is a system where information or programs are stored on a remote server in data centres. With the correct authority the information can be accessed from any computer or device at any time.

It is predicted that this is where all our computing will go in the future and therefore I think that it is necessary for libraries to embrace this technology. Already libraries are doing this by providing access to cloud based applications on the public access computers and by subscribing to cloud based journals and databases.

The big advantage will be that individual libraries or corporations will no longer have to own and maintain all the equipment and technology needed to run their library operating systems and OPACS. This will all be outsourced and stored on remote servers in the cloud. It will not be necessary to employ people with the technical skills needed to maintain complicated servers and LAN networks.

Another advantage is that you only have to pay for what you use, you can scale up or down as your needs change. Each corporation will not have to have expensive hardware to run their systems. All the upgrades needed to keep up with evolving technology will be done by the companies that host the information.
With the use of free cloud based applications and programs licencing costs for expensive computer programs are eliminated.

The disadvantages are security concerns, as with all new advancements, corporations want to be reassured that their information is secure. They want their information to be safe from attack and available only to users who have the correct authority.

Also of concern is the location of the servers and who has control over the information that is stored on them. This is probably the major reason why many organisations are reluctant to move to this new technology.


I think that in a very short space of time the majority of libraries will be run using cloud computing and we will wonder why we were hesitant to embrace this new technology.