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Library Review

Many innovations are always being invented that help the preservation of information in the modern world.  One such innovation is known as cloud computing.  Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.  With cloud computing, libraries now have another method of storing information for the public to use.

Many uses for cloud-based systems are applicable for the modern day library.  Such as instant data storage and more efficient information transference.  Most of what libraries do can be done in the cloud, this does not mean however that eliminating libraries should be a consideration.  Only that a refit of how things are done should be realized.
 
There are advantages and disadvantages of the cloud.  One advantage is greater efficiency because servers are typically shard in the environment used by the cloud.  Clouds can also run more than just one program instances at the same time.  This is just a better use of resources increasing effectiveness of what the cloud can do.  In an environment that is more traditional, the server might have only 5% capacity at least most of the time.  Creating a greener environment is another advantage of using the cloud, when providers using the cloud are investing in more energy efficient equipment.

Greater flexibility is also another positive trait of using the cloud.  Even though library usage is much less than the average retailer during the holiday season, they can still benefit from the same flexibility.  An example of this is when new software is being activated in the cloud, computing resources being added can be done more quickly saving time.  Testing upgrades or new services, is another advantage of computing flexibility.  A virtual server can be started in the cloud and operated only as long as needed rather than purchasing new software.

New uses of data that may not have been possible before are now made available due to cloud computing.  Based on the recommendations of some articles free software is sometimes made available to the user in order to increase data storage convenience.  Some software such as Ex Libris is one such example of this.

One way of dealing with the lack of technical expertise or a small systems staff is hosting a cloud.  This allows vendors to take care of hardware, operating system upgrades, and software upgrades, among other things and perform this at lower prices with used equipment.  Because of this cloud computing is much cheaper than typical computing methods.

Library vendors that maintain cloud based solutions aim to achieve low downtime. Representatives at library conferences claim to have achieved 99% up-time.  This means that interruptions in the service are rarely occurring, this is a big difference compared to the time when signals were limited and few and far between.

There are some concerns of librarians one such is privacy and security when moving data to the cloud.  These days when cyber terrorism is a real concern, all information managers not just librarians should seriously take into consideration everyone’s information security and privacy.   



Comments

  1. UnknownApril 16, 2017 at 7:53 PM

    I think that the AiA program could be a valuable asset to students during their learning process. Helping to end illiteracy is a phenomenal goal. I think as a student, it is important to have various outlets for growth and help. I think that analyzing students success is an important thing to measure, however not all students learn the same. If the help can be personalized to help meet the needs of the student, that would be much more beneficial.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NeldynApril 16, 2017 at 8:24 PM

    I love your last little paragraph stating that a lack of education will result in the collapse of our economy. That shows the importance of continuing to improve the education experience. Great work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 16, 2017 at 8:53 PM

    I found it interesting that you analyzed your argument from the government's point of view. I remember that the views of Arne Duncan became less and less popular toward the end of the last presidential term. Although I understand the importance of earning a degree, I don't agree that every American citizen needs a degree in order for our country to continue. I believe that the country needs to start focusing on trade skills via internships, so people can learn how to work, not just how to hold a job. Great informational post.

    ReplyDelete

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