Post #1: Libraries in the cloud

January 31, 2009 at 8:38 pm · Filed under technology and tagged: cloud computing, cloud resources, libraries, technology

I first heard of the term cloud computing about a year ago while reading an article that talked about using different cloud resources for data backups. I found the whole idea very interesting, but to be honest I didn’t think of the implications of this technology on libraries. In fact, I hadn’t given the cloud much more thought after that, until now.

I recently stumbled upon a few articles that discussed the possibilities of the cloud in libraries, as well as some concerns that librarians have with using the technology in a library setting. The Shifted Librarian points out that it’s not enough for librarians to teach patrons how to use cloud resources; we must also help them understand the possible consequences with utilizing the cloud. She suggests teaching patrons about:

• The different cloud resource options and how to evaluate them
• Backing up and synchronizing files on the cloud
• Privacy and security issues that all users need to take into consideration before choosing to utilize cloud resources

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