Cloud Computing

 

By Julie Wilcox

 

I chose to use the definition from Wikipedia, because it is succinct. However, Cloud Computing is the marketing term, in the Software Engineering world we refer to PaaS. Platform as a Service (PaaS) is cloud computing services packages that supply an on-demand environment for delivering, and managing software applications. For the use of these systems, one does not need to know how they work, the back end is for the service provider to worry about.  As the user this is seamless and as long as the package meets the needs, the patron just needs to log in and go. 

 How does Cloud Computing help Libraries:

Much like the library ILS vs LSP choices in Management Systems, local vs online.  As storage and speed have gotten cheaper cloud computing gives the library greater access to resources, faster, ultimately helping the budget. Ultimately more information for its patrons. No longer are physical computers required or individual licenses for software on those computers.  As well as Maintenance and support for the computers. Gone is the large footprint of the desktop, as a thin client takes much less space. Subscription services to all the popular business packages and upgrades are done behind the scenes.  Need a new book from Libby?  Today you might be on a server in Nebraska, and tomorrow, in New Jersey.  Cloud computing also allows patrons to access your online services from home as well as the library; now, you have after-hours access. 

Putting it All Together:

                The four blog posts are all interconnected in the big picture to the future of libraries.  While I do not think libraries will be going away, I do believe they will be evolving and changing.  In their space, we will now find technology and all the information it brings to the patrons who need it.  The concept of cloud computing brings more, faster, and smaller footprints to workstations.  Bringing my own device to connect to Wi-Fi and resources only available at the library, databases, or subscription applications and being able to download titles from Project Gutenberg or Overdrive/Libby.  Technology now brings translation opportunities, making our world a little smaller.  As the stacks shrink, creative new uses will appear, makerspaces, and the like. 

References:

Wikipedia contributors. “Cloud Computing.” Wikipedia, May 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

Breeding, M. (2022). How to Secure Library Systems From Malware, Ransomware, and Other Cyberthreats. Computers in Libraries, 42(1), 20–23. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=
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