Cloud Computing: A Promising Economic Model for Library and Information Centers

Abstract

Till 1970s, Indian libraries were mainly dependent upon their own resources to meet their users’ information needs. Then came an era of computerisation where libraries started working in a collaborative manner being connected through networks or consortia to utilise the resources of participating libraries also. Now cloud computing is emerging as a new technology which is becoming popular for scholarly communications in different types of organisations, particularly in corporate organisations. In this context, the article reviews how far cloud computing is suitable in libraries and the extent to which its applications and services can be used. The authors believe that India is self-sufficient now as it has the adequate technology and skills to bridge the digital divide. The cloud computing model would enable libraries to maintain better control over the applications and the data stores containing sensitive, private information. In addition, it helps the users to maintain their personalised information. Infrastructure virtualisation and cloud computing are becoming attractive choices being challenged by growth in the size of collection, new formats and dynamic usage. Hence, it is high time for the libraries to focus and avail the advantages of cloud computing to offer user-centered multi-level services to enable them to achieve greater level of satisfaction.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.32.6.2850