Cloud Computing For Libraries

No. 11 in the Tech Set. Cloud computing helps libraries shift away from owning and operating local servers to Web-based services. This book equips you with the information and practical advice needed to evaluate the many opportunities to take advantage of cloud computing.

Cloud computing is a model where computing resources (processors, storage, software) are offered as a utility from an indistinct location and boundaries to the user. Adoption of Cloud computing in recent years has gained momentum within various avenues round the globe due to its characteristics like elasticity, virtualization and pay-as-you-go pricing. In tune with the trend various companies have evolved which are offering web applications. These companies provide the system required to host the application to users on lease which saves them from purchasing. The book combines both theoretical and practical perspectives of cloud computing with a slant towards library and information centres. The book describes in detail about various companies which are providing cloud computing solutions and infrastructure for library and information centres. Intiatives of OCLC and best practices adopted in other libraries around the world has been discussed at length. Many avenues of the implementation of cloud computing has been identified in the present study. Various initiatives of the library professionals to move their internet sites, their integrated library system for cataloguing and acquisition, Cloud based library apps, Cloud based Stack Map and their repository systems and inter library loan systems to the cloud has been mentioned. The book further proposes a model which may serve as a blueprint for implementation of cloud computing technologies in libraries. With the timely publication of book, library and information service practitioners after going through the book can outsource the task of maintaining the computer infrastructure and focus on their mission to serve people with right information at right point of time.

The emergence of open access, web technology, and e-publishing has slowly transformed modern libraries into digital libraries. With this variety of technologies utilized, cloud computing and virtual technology has become an advantage for libraries to provide a single efficient system that saves money and time. Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technologies in Libraries highlights the concerns and limitations that need addressed in order to optimize the benefits of cloud computing to the virtualization of libraries. Focusing on the latest innovations and technological advancements, this book is essential for professionals, students, and researchers interested in cloud library management and development in different types of information environments.

This guide will examine the benefits of using these powerful cloud-based and low-cost or free applications for documentation, data and project management, communication, data storage, and data visualization for technical services staff operations in acquisitions and electronic collection management.

Cloud computing is a model where computing resources (processors, storage, software) are offered as a utility from an indistinct location and boundaries to the user. Adoption of Cloud computing in recent years has gained momentum within various avenues round the globe due to its characteristics like elasticity, virtualization and pay-as-you-go pricing. In tune with the trend various companies have evolved which are offering web applications. These companies provide the system required to host the application to users on lease which saves them from purchasing. The book combines both theoretical and practical perspectives of cloud computing with a slant towards library and information centres. The book describes in detail about various companies which are providing cloud computing solutions and infrastructure for library and information centres. Intiatives of OCLC and best practices adopted in other libraries around the world has been discussed at length. Many avenues of the implementation of cloud computing has been identified in the present study. Various initiatives of the library professionals to move their internet sites, their integrated library system for cataloguing and acquisition, Cloud based library apps, Cloud based Stack Map and their repository systems and inter library loan systems to the cloud has been mentioned. The book further proposes a model which may serve as a blueprint for implementation of cloud computing technologies in libraries. With the timely publication of book, library and information service practitioners after going through the book can outsource the task of maintaining the computer infrastructure and focus on their mission to serve people with right information at right point of time.

"Provides the practical information and 'real world' advice required to take full advantage of what cloud computing can provide." --Midwest Book Review

Cloud computing can save your library time and money by enabling convenient, on-demand network access to resources like servers and applications. Libraries that take advantage of the cloud have fewer IT headaches because data centres provide continuous updates and mobility that standard computing cannot easily provide - which means less time and energy spent on software, and more time and energy to devote to the library's day-to-day mission and services. In this timely book, leading Library and Information Technology Association experts demystify language, deflate hype and provide library-specific examples of real-world success that you can emulate to guarantee efficiency and savings. Among other valuable features, it will help you: select data access and file sharing services; build digital repositories; and, utilize other cloud computing applications in your library. Working together with this one-stop guide for implementing cloud computing, you and the cloud can save time and money, and build the information destination your users will love.