The Role of Cloud Computing in Modern Libraries

With cloud computing because increasingly popular, libraries are finding many ways that it can meet their technology needs better than traditional technology infrastructure. Some of the benefits libraries can get from cloud computing include less need for libraries to provide their own full technology infrastructure, as well as less need for skilled IT workers to install and administer this technology. However, libraries opting to use cloud computing solutions also need to consider potential drawbacks such as the loss of control, a lack of customization options, and privacy and security concerns. Companies offering cloud computing services may offer several different options to contend with these concerns, including public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud solutions. Additional considerations that libraries must take into account when moving to cloud infrastructure are outlined, along with multiple examples of how cloud computing is being used in libraries today