What Cloud Computing Means to Libraries and Information Services

Cloud computing, as an emerging style of computing that involves various technologies and provides virtual and scalable IT-related services over the Internet, has become a popular topic in the past few years. Much has been written about this concept and its applications in the IT and business fields, but little has been done in the library setting. This paper first introduces cloud computing with respect to its concepts, types, and general applications. The focus is then shifted to what cloud computing might mean to libraries and information services. The impact of cloud computing on the storage of libraries’ digital assets, integrated library systems, libraries’ IT infrastructures, as well as library services and internal work, has been investigated. The paper also explores the potential benefits of incorporating cloud computing in the library environment and points out some concerns and challenges libraries may have.