Cloud
Computing in Public Libraries
As
the world becomes increasingly digital libraries are trying to utilize the new
technologies. One of the problems for creating any kind of technology
improvement is data storage. Data storage processes include “memory,
components, devices and media”, but lately this has grown to include cloud
storage (Buck, 2009). This system is among the new technologies at work in
libraries in many different forms. Cloud computing is described by Sorensen and
Glassman as “computing resources provided on demand from remote data centers
and delivered over the Internet rather than being hosted on local servers”
(2011). It is believed that by 2020 “most people will access software
applications online” and share information “through the use of remote server
networks” so that information can be accessed on multiple devices instead of a
singular personal computer (Sorensen and Glassman, 2011).
Among popular early cloud operating software
used in the general public was e-mail, photo sharing sites, and Amazon’s Kindle
services (Sorensen and Glassman, 2011). There are several companies now branching
out into cloud storage. The list of vendors includes names such as SaaS, Google
Apps, and Apple as they attempt to create a storage system to attract all forms
of users (Buck, 2009). Google’s cloud applications include Gmail, Google
Messenger, Google, Docs, Google Sites and Google Calendar (Buck, 2009). Now as this form of storage becomes more
widely known and used, libraries are looking into the ways it can be applied to
their services.
Why Cloud Computing?
There
are many advantages to using a cloud for libraries. From greater efficiency to
flexibility, there are plenty of reasons for libraries to consider using a
cloud based storage program.
Through
the use of a cloud, a library could improve their computing efficiency (Buck,
2009). Multiple programs can be run simultaneously
without excess energy being used to run multiple servers (Buck, 2009). This means
that energy efficiency can be established for a library without the use of
extra equipment and implementing an online database to hold the library’s
digital resources. Previous versions of storage would have required additional servers,
which take up space and generate excess heat. In some libraries where space and
money is limited, this option could make a difference in a library’s budget.
Another
advantage would be a reduction in IT support since fewer programs would be
hosted locally (Sorensen and Glassman, 2011 and Buck, 2009). By having less
hardware to manage, IT would have to manage much less technology while the data
stored in the cloud could be maintained by the customer support or technical
support of the service provider. Not only would this be more cost effective, it
would also leave cloud storage in the hands of professionals who have been
trained to handle problems as they arise with the cloud.
The
main advantage of the cloud storage system is that it is accessible “regardless
of location or device” with multiple users (Buck, 2009). Like a accessing an email or Facebook account,
cloud storage usually requires a username and password to access the documents
or media files stored in it. Others allow links to be set up to go directly to
a particular file without having to search through everything in the database.
Kroski notes that Amazon S3 could be used in conjunction with the library’s ILS,
Integrated Library System, to allow access by providing descriptions and
presenting links to the content (2013). Another program, known as Duracloud, is
open-source software that would allow an interface for users uploading content
with a simple format (Kroski, 2013). Since all that is required is an internet
connection, files can be transferred without the need for attaching them to
e-mails or using a jump-drive to download them (Sorensen and Glassman, 2011).
Any open document can be shared in real time and updated as it is needed
without a delay in sharing the information (Sorenson and Glassman, 2011).
The
software behind cloud computing is constantly being improved upon. Many
libraries have already embraced this technology. A survey by Business Wire
showed that 22.54% of libraries in a sample study used a paid subscription
service for their cloud computing needs (2011). Their study included
information from seventy-two academic, public, and special libraries from the
United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, but did not take into
account that most libraries employ e-mail or Facebook services, which can be
included in the cloud computing arena (Business Wire, 2011). Most libraries
agree that some file loss is expected, but they feel “these losses would not be
any worse than those occurring with traditional storage systems” (Business Wire,
2011). So why are many libraries still holding back from using cloud based computing?
Why Not Cloud Computing?
There
are several reasons libraries are hesitant to join cloud computing. As in many
social networking/ sharing resources have issues with security, privacy, and
access rates. Some may even find that there is a cost of some kind attached to
the resource. These are a few of the cons about cloud computing.
The
biggest issue with cloud based computing is evaluating how secure and private
the data is from outside users. Sorenson and Glassman mention that “trusting
data to a provider” means they are taking the risk that the “all the necessary
precautions” to protect their data may not have been created (2011). The
private data is being given over to a third party to maintain it. It is unclear
who is responsible for the data if payment is delayed, the information is subpoenaed,
or if the information needs to be moved to a competitor’s site (Buck,
2009). Without the knowledge of how
these policies or who will own the data, it is hard to determine how it will
work in the library setting. Corrado and Moulaison cite how the University of
Washington Health Services Library used a free cloud system, known as DimDim,
and how it became a liability for their program (2009). When DimDim was
purchased by another company, UWHS Library was given less than three months to
save its files and looked for another storage solution (Corrado and Moulaison,
2012). As this forum is strictly online, it would be difficult to prevent this
type of problem from affecting a library in the future.
There
may some costs for storing data in a cloud that would render it less cost
effective. Buck cites George Crump as he explained that the cost of data
storage stays the same regardless of the age or importance of the data (2009).
The cost of data storage is not necessarily a set rate and the more it is used,
the more the cost of cloud storage could rise over time. In the long run,
according to Buck, cloud storage has the possibility of costing more than
traditional storage (2009).
Cloud Computing in Libraries
Many
libraries today are participating in some form of cloud computing. For example,
many libraries use OCLC records which has now developed “web-scale Management
Services” which allows for the “cooperative management service for libraries”
(Sorensen and Glassman, 2011). Many public libraries, such as the Georgia PINES
system, share records with libraries across the state and with the OCLC (Buck,
2009). Others routinely use Google calendars, blogs, instant messaging, remote
support, and e-mail services (Sorensen and Glassman, 2011). Cloud computing is
already a large part of libraries without them even agreeing for major data
storage.
Conclusion
Cloud
storage is not a trend. It is a new fact of the digital age. It touches every
part of every person’s life as long as they use a computer to communicate,
store music or books, or even collaborate online, though they may never know
what it is called. As libraries are beginning to embrace this new technology
storage trend, they are evaluating the pros and cons of this endeavor.
I believe that
this technology is very marketable for libraries because of the ease of access
it allows its patrons and staff to communicate. By storing digital material,
such as ebooks, audio books, and music, in an easily accessible cloud database,
the library could effectively expand its client base by reaching out to younger
and less mobile clients. Allowing data to reachable by staff can help improve
communication in library systems in which varied hours and distance would
prevent staff from being able to openly discuss issues at their libraries. More
online resources will increase library traffic and the library’s standing in
society by providing material to people who cannot come to the library or would
not normally come to the library. The future of this technology will enforce
the ideals of a borderless digital library which is what many libraries are
striving for in this digital age.
ReferencesSorensen, K., & Glassman, N. R. (2011). From desktop to cloud: A primer on internet-based computing for librarians. Journal of
Electric Resources in Medical Libraries, 8(3), 243-255. doi: 10.1080/15424065.2011.601991
References
Buck, S. (2009). Library in the cloud:
Making a case for Google and Amazon. Computers
in Libraries, 6-10.
Corrado, E. M., & Moulaison, H. L.
(2012). The library cloud. Library
Journal, 49-51.
Kroski, E. (2013). Great technology
initiatives for your library.American Libraries Magazine, 50-54.
Research
and Markets. (2011). Research and Markets: Survey of Cloud Computing. Business
Wire (English).
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