Cloud Computing: A New Generation of Technology Enables Deeper Collaboration - Challenges of Information Management Beyond the Cloud - page 25

Cloud Computing: A New Generation of Technology
Enables Deeper Collaboration

Marshall Breeding

Independent Consultant, 2512 Essex Place, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
[e-mail]

Abstract. This keynote address presents a pragmatic approach to cloud
computing and its potential to enable libraries to transform their models of
resource management, service delivery, and collection discovery.

Keywords: Cloud computing, integrated library systems, library services
platforms, library resource discovery services.

1 Introduction

The presentation outlines my view of current trends in the realm of library
management systems and the impact that cloud computing has made in that arena.
This rapidly-changing domain finds itself in challenging times where library missions
evolve in response to changing demands related to collections and patron
expectations. Cloud-based technologies and new model automation systems have
emerged to help libraries meet these new challenges. This presentation covers these
movements along three different tracks: 1) the realm of discovery systems and
services that libraries offer to provide access to their resources and their services; 2)
resource sharing arrangements that enable libraries access to content beyond their
own local collections; and 3) the resource management systems. New developments -
many relating to cloud computing technologies- have transpired in each of these
areas.

2 Technology Adoption Patterns in Libraries

Libraries have distinctive patterns regarding the implementation of cloud technologies
compared to other sectors. As a whole, libraries tend to move to new technologies at a
relatively slow pace. Fortunately, a minority of libraries are willing to engage as early
adopters willing to test new technologies as they become available. Other
presentations in the conference gave a more theoretical view of cloud technologies
and information management. Considerable distance, however, lies between the
theoretical work that is done in computer engineering and the products and services
developed and implemented by libraries to provide access to content and services and
to automate operations. This gap between the state of the art and practical products