Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

             
            Technology is changing rapidly all around us; librarians in the twenty-first century should have the basic competency to stay ahead of the competition. The new trend out there is cloud computing. Cloud computing is a growing trend among libraries, it is a network that is housed outside the library that provides and manages the libraries data rather than the library maintain its own server. This type of network could help revolutionize the library system by providing a platform for inter-departmental cooperation as well as cooperation with other libraries. An article posted on the IBM website describes cloud computing as “the delivery of on-demand computing resources”. Cloud computing will help save money from the budget when the library does not have to maintain its own server room therefore clearing up space to be used by the library. One of the leading features of this service is the fact that it can be accessed from anywhere on the planet.  Learning this type of network is important as a librarian to stay relevant in the twenty-first century.

More and more libraries are converting their networks to the new cloud computing network. One way to familiarize yourself with cloud computing is by practicing on Google Gmail servers where you can organize your photos; search the web and much more. Cloud computing is a data storage device and by learning how it’s used you would discover the vast amounts of uses it has and the how beneficial it is to a library. Another aspect of cloud computing is that libraries could potentially house their e-books within the cloud network therefore eliminating the need to house and maintain their own servers. The only downside to using cloud computing is the monthly payment that the library has to pay an outside company for the use of its servers. Also, there is also a chance that the servers could get hacked and the libraries data can be compromised. The positive aspects of this network far-out way the negative making it essential asset in any librarian’s skill set.

Works Cited

Goldner, M. (n.d.). Winds of change: Libraries and cloud computing | Goldner | BCLA Browser: Linking the Library Landscape. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from http://bclabrowser.ca/index.php/browser/article/view/362

Learn about cloud. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2016, from https://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/what-is-cloud-computing