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Opening libraries to cloud computing: a Kenyan perspective

JOTHAM MILIMO WASIKE

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JOTHAM MILIMO WASIKE , (2015),"Opening libraries to cloud computing: a Kenyan perspective", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 32
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Opening libraries to cloud computing: a

Kenyan perspective
Jotham Milimo Wasike

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Introduction
The National Institute of Standards
and Technology defines cloud computing
as a model for enabling ubiquitous,
convenient, on-demand network access
to a shared pool of configurable
computing resources (such as networks,
servers, storage facilities, applications,
and services) that can be rapidly
provisioned and released with minimal
management effort or with service
provider interaction. It is suffice to
define cloud computing as an Internet
technological innovation that provides
a platform for massive information
resource sharing, thus minimizing
carbon footprints and making libraries
greener (Goldner, 2010a, 2010b).
Without knowing it, modern libraries
are embracing new software and other
related hosting services to provide
innovative products and services for
preserving intellectual efforts (Leckie
and Buschman, 2010). These services
may include Web application in social
cataloging. Many studies show that
libraries worldwide suffer related
problems associated with inflexibility,
inefficiency of digital data and high
management costs of information
communication
technology
(ICT)
infrastructure. A major solution to this
menace is incorporating cloud computing
in library services. The purpose of this
paper is to look specifically at how cloud
computing can be used by libraries and
what needs to be considered before
embracing a cloud computing solution.
Framingham (2013) forecasts that
worldwide
spending
on
public
information technology (IT) cloud
services will reach $47.4 billion in
2013. The expenditure is expected to
rise to more than $107 billion in 2017.
According to a new forecast from the
International Data Corporation, over
the 2013-2017 forecast period, public
IT cloud services will have a compound

annual growth rate of 23.5 per cent, five

times that of the IT industry as a whole.
Das (2013) argues that cloud computing
has five key principles:
(1) shared
resources
(including
applications, processors, storage
and databases);
(2) on-demand (users retrieve and use
cloud information resources from
the cloud);
(3) elasticity, flexibility and scalability
(clouds are receptive to user
needs);
(4) networked access (wide accessibility);
and
(5) metering use (involve payments and
storage efficiency).
For libraries to operate effectively under
computer clouding, Tilburg University
(2012) recommends separate services
between front end and back end,
efficient
account
management,
financial (licensing, fees and fines)
standardization
of
bibliographic
formats, clear functionalities and close
link with ICT. However, cloud
computing services differ based on
requirements.
Cloud models
There are three primary service
models. First, Software as a Service
(SaaS), where libraries pay for access
and use application or service hosted
clouds on any online device. The
provider is responsible for data,
software and hardware maintenance.
This means that the user does not
install, run or upgrade the application
on his/her own computers, thus,
simplifying maintenance and support.
The applications include LibGuides
Hotmail, Survey Monkey, Google
Apps, Serials Solutions and Skype.
Second, Platform as a Service (PaaS)
provides supply tools and an enabling
environment to libraries to build, test,

install and embrace their own software

and web-based applications in the
cloud. However, operating systems and
network access are managed by a data
center and not libraries. The models in
this category include 800APP and Sales
force. Third, Infrastructure as a Service
(IaaS) also referred to as Hardware as a
Service (HaaS) that provides storage
and computing services on many servers
with an on-demand and pay per use
formula. The other storage devices
include Data Center, Bandwidth, Private
Line Access, Servers and Server Room,
Firewall and Storage space. In this case,
library users have the provision of
upgrading, making patches and managing
the operating system. This model
encompasses Amazons Elastic Compute
Cloud (EC2) and Rack space.
With cloud technologies, vast
resources can be connected through
private or public networks. Libraries
can opt for public, private, hybrid
clouds or community clouds. Public
cloud service is available to the general
public by a service provider who hosts
the cloud infrastructure. The library
users have no visibility or control over
where the infrastructure is situated. In
this case, library users share the same
infrastructure pool with limited
configuration, security protections and
availability variances. Examples of
public cloud providers are Amazon
AWS, Microsoft and Google, who
operate the infrastructure and offer
access over the Internet. On the other
hand, private cloud infrastructures can
be dedicated to a particular library, as
it allows libraries to host cold
applications, while addressing data
security and control concerns. The data
that are hosted there are either
internally or externally operated by a
third party. There are four variations of
private clouds:
(1) On-premise private clouds that are
hosted within a librarys own facility

LIBRARY HI TECH NEWS Number 3 2015, pp. 21-24, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 0741-9058, DOI 10.1108/LHTN-09-2014-0072

21

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and best used for applications that

require complete control and
configurability of infrastructure and
security.
(2) Externally hosted private clouds that
are exclusively used by one library,
but are managed by a third party with
a cloud infrastructure. The major
advantage of this cloud over public is
the minimum risk associated with
sharing of physical resources.
(3) A community cloud is a multi-user
service model that is shared among
several libraries and is governed,
managed and protected jointly by all
participating libraries with a view of
meeting their ultimate goals. This
cloud can also be hosted by a
third-party provider on behalf of the
libraries. It is built and operates for a
specific clientele with special needs.
(4) Hybrid clouds are a composition of
two or more clouds (private,
community or public) that remain
unique entities, bound together and
offering the advantages of multiple
models.
However, this type of model needs both
on-premise resources and off-site server
infrastructure. Figure 1 summarizes the
essential characteristics, service models
and deployment models for cloud
computing.
Library cloud computing
Cloud computing in libraries reduces
technological costs, increases capacity

reliability and performance, while

limiting computer user maintenance.
Special, historical and rare documents
can be scanned and stored in online
database through local area network
(LAN) networks for easy access and
use. Backed-up files are maintained and
reprographically created for users.
However, this may, in the long, run
strain data integrity and jam the
network (Figure 2).
Motivating factors for libraries to
embrace clouds
Most library computer systems are
built on pre-web technology. Pre-web
technology systems are harder and
more costly to integrate compared to
clouds. While local library systems
serve as critical entities for automation,
they represent a tremendous duplication
of effort. In the process, libraries store
and maintain much of the same data
hundreds and thousands of times.
Individual libraries are also strained
financially by building and maintaining a
database, buying equipment, installing
and updating the software. For other
libraries running independent systems,
collaboration between libraries has made
it cumbersome to provide library
services. Libraries get stuck in perpetual
upgrade mode, which involves lots of
testing and retesting and customization
that is time consuming. Additionally,
with library data scattered across
distributed systems, the librarys Web
presence is weakened. Information

seekers also work in common web

environments and distributed systems
make it difficult to get the library into
their workflow. This is even made more
complex with many libraries estimated to
only utilize 10 per cent capacity of their
systems.
Library cloud benefits
Library cloud benefits include:

Figure 1. Cloud computing characteristics, service models and deployment models

22

The cause effect of libraries

sharing hardware and other related
services rather than housing software
and hardware for single information
centers lead to lowering the total
costs of managing library
collections. It also enhances both
the library users experience and
staff workflows through intuitive
interfaces.
Cost-saving. It is expensive to
install and maintain an ICT
infrastructure. Clouds enable
libraries to save on software
overhead costs, thus allowing
libraries to concentrate on other
tasks leading to a high return
value (Reese, 2009). Bezos
(2014) of Amazon further argues
that when a library moves their
major services to a cloud, they get
more than 70 per cent of their
time and money to improve and
grow their library services. This
improves the quality of library
service.
Take advantage of current and
rapidly emerging technology to fully
participate in the Webs information
landscape.
Increased visibility and accessibility
of collections in real-time through
sharing of resources, regardless of
distance. On the other hand, file
versioning helps to retain versions of
old files even if they are deleted.
Duplications of efforts in collection
management are minimized and
networked services sharing is
optimized through streamlined
workflows that eventually satisfy
information users.
Cooperative intelligence and
improved service levels enabled by
the large-scale aggregation of data
usage.
Cloud computing can help libraries
collaborate with each other in a

LIBRARY HI TECH NEWS Number 3 2015

Figure 2. Application of cloud computing in a library

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facile manner. Every library has its

own electronic data resources. If all
the electronic data resources are
put together in a single place,
which may be accessed by a group
of libraries, the whole electronic
database will become huge.
Make libraries become greener by
sharing computing power, thus
reducing carbon footprints. Many
studies have established that many
systems only use 10 per cent of
their systems capacity.
The vision is to use cloud
computing in delivering library
resources, services and expertise at
the point of need, within user
workflows, and in a manner that
users want and understand.
Cloud computing frees libraries
from managing technology so
they can focus on collection
building, improved services and
innovation.

The cloud computing model further

encourages libraries and their users to
participate in a network as individuals
or consortia by allowing reuse and
socializing around information. It can
also create a powerful, unified web
presence for libraries and give users a
local, group and global reach. Cloud
services also present opportunities for
libraries to innovate and improve. With
increasing access to Big Data, Cloud
services are building unique services
and discovery engines that library
patrons will love. Table I has interactive
features offered by cloud services that
will lead to increased engagement and a

LIBRARY HI TECH NEWS Number 3 2015

better user experience for information

patrons and librarians.

Considerations for use of clouds

Libraries can choose from a wide
range of service providers with varying
pricing, depending on needs complexity
and the amount of capacity required.
Below are factors to consider before you
make the move:

Security: The security of the data is

of critical importance. Once the
library moves to the cloud, what
assurances can be made by the
cloud service vendor that the
information stored is safe?
Support: The response time for any
failure or loss of data in the cloud.
Considering different time zones,
is the library able to get support
response at real-time?
Scalability: Cloud computing is
based on pay per use. There is a
need to consider the change of
requirements in the future and what
would be the financial implications.
Continuity and reliability of library
services: In a situation where the
entire cloud goes down, what are the
backup and disaster recovery plans
of the cloud service vendor.
Reliability: Service level agreements
with the vendor specifying the
margin of failure is crucial. For
example, do they have policies and
legal structures in place to guide
them? Do they appear to be a firm
that will still be around in 30 years?
i.e. are they reliable and easily
accessible?

Table I.
Type of clouds and their descriptions
Type of cloud

Description

Google Apps

A cloud-based productivity suite from Google that includes tools for

email, calendars and documents
Users read and edit office documents in a browser on PCs, Macs
and tablets. Store and share documents using Sky Drive
A file hosting service that offers libraries cloud storage, file
synchronization, personal cloud and client software
An open-source integrated library system that can move the entire
system to the cloud. It offers web-based patron services, community
outreach and catalog management
Lends eBooks, audio books, music and video to users from a hosted,
digital library. Borrowers get access to titles from top publishers on
almost any device and libraries get resources to support and promote
e-reading
A great place to host historical images that are in the public domain.
One of the most famous implementations of this comes from The
Library of Congress which hosts nearly 20,000 photos categorized
into sets for browsing by interest
An easy to use Content Management System used by many libraries
worldwide to curate and share knowledge
A messaging app from Google that enables librarians to send and
receive messages, photos and videos and even start free video calls
with library patrons
Started as a way to make free Internet calls, but is evolved into a
full-featured cloud communication tool with instant messaging, file
sharing, group video and screen casting

Office 365
Dropbox
LibLime Koha

OverDrive

Flickr

LibGuides
Google Hangouts

Skype

23

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IT knowledge: In a study
conducted by Mitchell (2011) it
was established that expertise was
a motivating factor to install or
not
to
install
an
ICT
infrastructure. He argued that
expertise and capacity in a library
can be a daunting task to
quantify. The skills needed for
cloud
computing
include
configuration,
server
skills,
software
engineering
and
management
of
cloud
infrastructure. Limoncelli and
Hogan (2001) further state that IT
staff capacity planning for
management
and
end-user
support is essential.
Availability: The cloud service
should be available 24/7 and
accessible in real-time. In these
cases, vendors are able to upgrade
electronic database that may
motivate libraries to use SaaS
instead of a locally implemented
method (Mitchell, 2011). Do the
services provide cloud computing?
They should provide!

However, Prince (2011) cautions that

clouds like other systems have
weaknesses that include loss of data
control to vendors. Data insecurity and
the possibility of the vendor going
away means that data may be
completely lost. Libraries also lack the
authority to maintain and update their
information, thus interfering with
maximizing the user access and use.
For libraries to be continually
relevant, they need to embrace cloud
technology. By taking advantage of
these technical advancements, libraries
will make information more accessible
than at any other time in history, thus

24

meeting their obligations as information

providers.
REFERENCES

Bezos, J. (2014), available at: www.

slideshare.net/goodfriday/amazon-webservices-building-a-webscale-computing
architecture (accessed 4 July 2014).
Das, D.C. (2013), Impact of cloud
computing in library services (PPT),
available at: www.kiit.ac.in/centrallibrary/
pdf/pdf_presentation/Impact_of_Cloud_
Computing_on_Library_Services.pdf (accessed
7 July 2014).

Reese, G. (2009), Cloud application

architectures: building applications and
infrastructure in the cloud, OReilly
Media.
Sanchati, R. and Kulkarni, R. (2011),
Cloud computing in digital and university
libraries, Global Journal of Computer
Science and Technology, Vol. 11 No. 12.
Tilburg University (2012), Cloud computing
for libraries, available at: www.oclc.org/
news/releases/2013/201310.en.html (accessed
10 July 2014).
FURTHER READING

Framingham, M. (2013), IDC forecasts

worldwide public it cloud services spending
to reach nearly $108 billion by 2017 as
focus shifts from savings to innovation
(a press release), available at: www.idc.
com/getdoc.jsp?containerIdprUS24298
013 (accessed 7 July 2014).

National Institute of Standards and

Technology, US Department of Commerce
(2014), The NIST definition of cloud
computing (Draft), available at: http://csrc.
nist.gov/publications/drafts/800-145/DraftSP-800-145_cloud-definition.pdf (accessed
7 July 2014).

Goldner, M. (2010a), Libraries and cloud

computing, Proceedings of the 2011 SLA
Annual Conference & INFO-EXP.

NIST (2009), NIST.gov computer

security division computer security
resource center, available at: http://csrc.
nist.gov/groups/SNS/cloud-computing/
index.html (accessed 7 July 2014).

Goldner, M.R. (2010b), Winds of change:

libraries
and
cloud
computing,
BIBLIOTHEK Forschung und Praxis,
Vol. 34 No. 3, pp. 270-275.
Leckie, G.J. and Buschman, J.E. (2010),
Information technology in librarianship:
new critical approaches, Journal of
Hospital Librarianship, No. 2.
Limoncelli, T.A. and Hogan, C.J. (2001),
Practice of System & Network
Administration,
AdisonWesley
Professional, Upper Saddle River, NJ,
No. 2.
Mitchell, E. (2011), Using cloud services
for library IT infrastructure, available at:
http://journal.code4lib.org/articles/2510/
comment-page-1 (accessed 8 July 2014).
Prince, D. (2011), Cyber security and
cloud computing, a paper presented at the
Cyber Security Conference, Lancaster
House Hotel, 19, September).

OCLC (2011), Cloud computing for

libraries, INFORUM 2011, Brussels.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jotham Milimo Wasike has over 15

years of professional experience in
library management. He is currently the
Deputy University Librarian at the
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
and is a PhD finalist in Library and
Information Science, Moi University,
Kenya. He has written extensively on
emerging library technologies and
digital rights management.
Jotham
Milimo
Wasike
(jothamwasike@gmail.com) is based
at the Catholic University of Eastern
Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

LIBRARY HI TECH NEWS Number 3 2015