Adoption of Cloud Computing by Academic Libraries for Research Data Protection

Technological evolution is an influencer for libraries alertness to meet the rising information needs of users. The purpose of the study was to identify and review possible measures that academic libraries could consider to secure data in the cloud and safeguard research data/assets. The study was guided by descriptive design, which made use of secondary data to address the problem of low utilization of the cloud among academic libraries in African. The findings of the study revealed a low adoption rate of cloud computing by academic libraries in Africa. It was also proven that major challenges that inhibited the adoption of cloud computing by academic libraries were lack of institutional policy guidelines and authentication procedures from cloud service providers. Recommendations of the study were that academic libraries should fully utilize cloud computing services to store research data to enhance access and visibility. The Management of academic libraries should put in place policies and guidelines that will guide in the selection of cloud service provider for research data storage