Getting Started with Cloud Computing

Citation

Mason, D. (2012), "Getting Started with Cloud Computing", The Electronic Library, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 310-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211221412

This is a guide for librarians showing what the cloud is, why it is important and how to start using the cloud to support your library. It is published by the Library and Information Technology Association, a division of the American Library Association. As such it focuses squarely on what librarians need to know with the minimum of jargon.

Cloud computing has the potential to revolutionise how data is accessed and shared. It offers the possibility that libraries can do away with dedicated computer servers and open up a world of unlimited storage, unlimited reach and unlimited resources, while paying for only what you use. It means that even the smallest library or consortium can afford the facilities available to the biggest libraries, and have flexible, scalable internet computing resources that can be turned on or off to match demand. Cloud computing means that libraries are no longer held back by lack of technical expertise or lack of capital budget: Internet services can be purchased the same way you buy your electricity – there when you want it, but all supplied seamlessly by somebody else.

The book consists of invited chapters by people with practical experience of using the Internet cloud in library applications. The first part is about the cloud, what it is, what is does and how it will affect libraries in the future. The second part covers the various technologies in detail. The chapters describe the “back office” of the cloud and how to choose the best technology for your library's specific needs. The third part consists of eight case studies written by librarians who have been through the process of implementing a cloud based solution.

The introductory chapters cover the technology well, with clear explanations for the non technical reader. It puts the cloud into context and shows how and where libraries will be affected. Cloud computing may well be “the next big thing” but it is not the answer to every problem so the drawbacks and problems are outlined as well. The section on the technology describes individual products but in a fast changing field these will have a short shelf life and some more generic guidelines might have been usefully added. The case studies are very useful in showing how libraries have tackled the issue in real life situations. These experiences will be invaluable in guiding librarians through the process of adoption and give many good ideas as to where to go next.

Overall, this is an excellent non‐technical introduction to what may prove to be a dominating influence in the environment that libraries have to work in.