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Cloud Computing and Some Scenarios for its application in Academic Libraries

By Mayank Yuvaraj
Junior Research Fellow, Department of Library & Information Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Email: mayank.yuvaraj@gmail.com

AL 2013, GGSIPU New Delhi

Meaning: Cloud What ? Meaning: Cloud computing What ? Transition: Cloud computing Libraries Users behavior Library Structure in Cloud CLSP Model Q&A

Why we use the term Cloud ? Where does the term Cloud come from ?

The Cloud icon is inspired by IT textbook's illustrations used to conceal the complex remote environment behind the Internet. The Cloud is demarcation point of responsibility of the user and service provider on the Web The acronym CLOUD stands for: C- Computing resources L- Location independent O- Online U- Utility D- Available on Demand

Collection of resourcesapplications, platforms, raw computing power and storagedelivered over the Internet.

Cloud computing is a model for enabling, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction - NIST (2009) a pool of highly scalable, abstracted infrastructure that is capable of hosting end-customer applications that are billed by consumption. - Erdogmus (2009) IT capabilities that are requested, provisioned, delivered, and consumed in real time over the internet -Sultan (2010)

Three-phase procession of the effects of information technology on organizations: modernization (doing what you are already doing though more efficiently); innovation (experimenting with new capabilities that the technology makes possible) and transformation (fundamentally altering the nature of the organization through these capabilities).

Print > Electronic

Increasing emphasis on subscribed content, especially articles and databases Strong emphasis on digitizing local collections New generations of library users: Web savvy Pervasive Web 2.0 concepts

There has been shift of library users towards cloud. remain connected to the Web through cloud services like Web mails (Gmail,Yahoomail, Sifymail), online storage systems (Skydrive, Idrive, Box.net). sharp increase in the usage of Web-based office tools (Google Docs and Zoho) in the recent times. To keep themselves abreast of recent developments users are using Web-based RSS readers (Bloglines, Google Reader). Global entertainment (YouTube, Flickr, Hulu) as well as Social networking (Orkut, Facebook, hi5) Web based useful applications: Pando (sharing large files), Adobe Photoshop Express (online photo editors), Jumpcut (edit videos online). Above all, cloud is being used as open source development network to share the source codes (Drupal).

Technology experts say by 2020, most institutions and companies are going to move to the Cloud which will eliminate the dependency of desktops

How can we create a Cloud based Library? What will be the services offered in the Cloud? What are the steps involved in developing a Cloud based Library?

I. Open Cloud Library Model In an open Cloud library model the Cloud computing implementation to libraries is shared by the general public with wide array of library services. These libraries are owned and managed by an enterprise that offers freely Cloud services on pay-per-use.

II. Closed Cloud Library Model


In a closed Cloud library model Cloud computing implementation to libraries restricts access to internal users such as a particular library patrons and staff. These services stay within a firewall.

III. Centrally funded Integrated Cloud Library Model


In this model, Cloud computing implementation to libraries will depend on the parent body, usually a government agency like UGC, CSIR, IIM, and IIT for its design and maintenance. It has the potency of an integrated Cloud library for example IIT`s NPTEL programme.

Cloud based recommender system to make user friendly retrieval strategy, for example Bibliocommons Cloud based discovery layers to make the special collections of the library accessible to users which are not catalogued. Cloud based citation management enables users to share content, form communities and recommend a resource. Cloud based efficient management and organization of scholarly communications. Cloud based library apps to access the library data. Cloud based Stack Map, shelf-mapping software to map the physical location of a book.

Metered information services that integrates telemetry as a part of service offerings. CAS and SDI services through emails, RSS feeds or web feeds, Social networking websites and blogs Cloud based reference 2.0 services Global Cooperation in maintaining bibliographic and authority records Integrated Cloud search services Collaborative management of Cloud resources Cloud-based access to library collections through the OPAC Delivery of services as well as documents as an utility Just-in-time during need on demand library services

CLSP Model

Step I: Determining Objectives


Analyse the status of library Define Cloud based library vision Establish precise and measurable objectives of Cloud based library which should take care of user requirements. With inadequate time and resources librarians must make decisions as to what can and cannot be accomplished.

Step II: Generate Strategies


Develop specific course of actions on the way to accomplish the objectives. Evaluate the prospects and impediments in the adoption of Cloud computing to libraries. It can be evaluated through the comprehensive guides of NIST and ENISA. The viability of Cloud library proposal can be gauged through SWOT analysis.

Step III: Evaluate Strategies


Primarily, there are six avenues which involve strategic decision in developing a Cloud based library: To settle issues on selection of Cloud based services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) To settle issues on deployment models of Cloud based services(Public, Private, Hybrid, Community) To select Cloud provider To get the agreement in written Facilities of data export and import Start a Pilot implementation

Step IV: Follow up results


Evaluation of results in terms of the determined objectives. In case of dissatisfaction and failure in achieving the expected outcomes libraries should diagnose the solutions and reframe the objectives to ensure the objectives achievement.

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