Libraries Perception Towards Cloud Computing: A Survey

Abstract

Cloud computing technology has emerged as a major breakthrough for libraries offering various cloud-based services on web environment, and therefore libraries are adopting this technology for various purposes. In this respect, this study provides perceptions of libraries towards adoption, use, and future perspective of cloud computing technology. The results of this study revealed that most of the libraries were engaged for one year for cloud computing technology, but in future all libraries will be fully equipped with the technology. This technology is used for enhancing library services. Policy/privacy statements are most critical issues for selecting cloud computing vendors. Community and Software as a Services (SasS) models are widely used for cloud computing. This study will be helpful to find different views and insights of libraries which are connected to the cloud computing technology. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Headnote

Abstract

Cloud computing technology has emerged as a major breakthrough for libraries offering various cloud-based services on web environment, and therefore libraries are adopting this technology for various purposes. In this respect, this study provides perceptions of libraries towards adoption, use, and future perspective of cloud computing technology. The results of this study revealed that most of the libraries were engaged for one year for cloud computing technology, but in future all libraries will be fully equipped with the technology. This technology is used for enhancing library services. Policy/privacy statements are most critical issues for selecting cloud computing vendors. Community and Software as a Services (SasS) models are widely used for cloud computing.

This study will be helpful to find different views and insights of libraries which are connected to the cloud computing technology.

Keywords: Libraries, Cloud computing, Perception, Survey, Amazing technology

1 Introduction

Emergence of web-based technologies opens new paths to spread information rapidly and in variant formats worldwide. Cloud computing technology is a highly scalable and a very efficient computing technology used for clubbing services, and resources through various models on the virtual platforms. Users on the internet can communicate with many servers at the same time. The servers can also exchange information among themselves Elayes (2008). Wikipedia claimed that the concept of cloud computing emerged back to the 1960s when John McCarthy opined,' computation may someday be organized as a public utility.' Chellappa gave the first academic definition of the term Cloud Computing in 1997. Later, in 2007 the term cloud computing came into popularity and was first used in the context when Kevin Kelly opined, 'eventually we'll have the inter cloud, the cloud of clouds.'1 A good definition of cloud computing is given by Gartner2 that defines cloud computing as a style of computing where scalable and elastic IT capabilities are provided as a service to multiple customers using internet technologies. NIST (2010) defined cloud computing as a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.3 Thus, cloud computing is an integration of various computer technologies, including web infrastructure, Web 2.0 and meant other emerging technologies. Cloud computing has a great impact on libraries. Resultant, libraries are adopting cloud computing technology for adding more value into their services and resources and to satisfy the information needs of their respective users with more facilities and flexibilities, such as anywhere and anytime approach to services and resources. There are several examples that set as a paradigm of success of cloud based services, such as OCLC web scale, DuraCloud, Facebook, Amazon, Google-based cloud services, and so on. In spite its qualities, libraries have not completely adopted cloud based services and platforms due to many reasons. Therefore, it is felt that there is a need to carry out a survey on libraries in cloud computing environment in order to identify the issues regarding cloud computing technology and libraries.

2 Method

For executing this study, a survey was conducted using an online questionnaire on various issues connected with libraries and cloud computing, consisting of 11 multiple and single choice questions. This online questionnaire was developed on a free online survey website namely 'Kwiksurveys'.4This online questionnaire was sent to 200 librarians/ in-charge library, deputy librarians and various libraries in India and abroad. In response to above approach, 150 completed questionnaires were received from the different libraries (i.e., academic, public, and special). These questionnaires were analysed from November 4, 2012 to January 4, 2013 using above mentioned online survey tool 'Kwiksurveys'.

3 Objectives of the Study

The main objectivities of the study are:

* To know how long and why libraries are using cloud computing in their libraries

* To identify the barriers, services, and models of cloud computing connected with libraries

* To get opinions about future development of cloud computing in libraries

4 Literature Review

Cloud computing technology is not a new technology for libraries, but nowadays, this technology has come up with new features and flexibilities as well as environment. Many studies argued to club cloud computing technology into library services and activities in order to get benefits of this amazing technology, and to explore the library services on virtual environment on the web. In this connection, Sultan (2012) argued cloud computing technology in education setting by providing variant aspects that lead education institutions to spread their services and resources on the wide spectrum. Romero (2012) explored the benefits and drawbacks while clubbing cloud computing technology for library automation activities. He also provided guidelines for above purpose. Hofer and Karagiannis (2011) explained cloud computing services by tree taxonomy and comparison. Yang (2012) discussed the cloud computing aspects including its pros and cons compared to library and discovered that cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers according to hours, usage, and capacity. Goldner and Brich (2012) inspected the resource sharing phenomena in cloud computing age and suggested that it is real time to think seriously about breaking all the barriers of resources sharing and dramatic changes in technology and formats day by day. Huang and Du (2012) proposed cloud-based services architecture for service chain digital library (SCDL) and resources sharing.

Various studies were focused on the role of librarian in cloud-based scenario and urge to upgrade their knowledge to deliver successful services by using emerging cutting edge technology such as cloud computing. Wale (2011)investigated the trends of advance technology, especially for law libraries movement, towards open access integrated library systems (ILS) and cloud computing technology. Scale (2010) evaluated the role of both cloud computing and web collaboration in imparting information to distance users through libraries. Cohen (2002) stated that librarians are moving towards virtual learning environment (VLE) to link the library services and resources to the users. Rawtani (2012) critically assessed the ways to achieve knowledge management by using cloud computing environment.

Nirmala and Sridaran (2012) surveyed cloud computing issues in depth, at design and implementation levels, and suggested a few solutions for selected issues. Duke et al. (2009) showed that how an academic library collaborated with marketing students to solve the problem of promotion and marketing their reference services. Fernando etal. (2013) surveyed mobile computing related various key issues and discussed different approaches to tackle these issues for the success of mobile computing in future perspectives. Patel et al. (2011) comparatively analysed three types of computing technology, viz., grid computing, cloud computing, and utility computing. Roberts and Himdani (2011) suggested key security measures on the basis of points noticed during reviewing security issues within cloud computing. Yang and Jia (2012) invented data storage auditing methods and a set of protocols for coping the challenges and opportunities related to cloud based services users data storage in cloud computing environment. However, no study was conducted through survey focusing on integration of various issues connected to library services and cloud computing.

5 Results

5.7 Profile of respondents

Figure 1 shows that majority of respondents around 78.6% were librarian/ In-charge library. Among them, more than half (69.3%)of the respondents belong to library profession and remaining 9.3% respondents were not from library and information science area but they were associated with other subjects and working as In-charge of libraries. Second highest, 14% respondents were working as deputy librarian and lowest majority of respondents (7.3%) were assistant librarian.

5.2 Engagement of libraries in cloud computing activities

Out of total 150 libraries, Figure 2 depicted that 37.3% libraries were engaged with cloud computing activities for one year, followed by 24.7% libraries for more than one year, nearly 21.3% for six months, 15.3% for three months, and only 1.3% libraries were using cloud computing for just one month. Hence, most of the libraries are using cloud computing technology since last year or before that. Mavodza (2013) studied the impact of cloud computing on academic library services and stated that the presence of cloud computing technology cannot be avoided in the era of modern information technologies. Hence, libraries are using this technology for putting together user resources and services to store and access information with much flexibility.

5.3 Most appropriate cloud computing platform/service models for libraries

Several cloud computing service models exist through which cloud based services are delivered to the users. Singh and Veralakshmi (2012) provided a description about the use of cloud computing in libraries at various levels and services, such as platforms-as-a-service (PaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) to achieve more satisfaction of the users with regard to library services, by using library and information science connected cloud based services as an example. Ahmad et al. (2011) discussed the various Google based cloud computing services for building knowledge management tool in public administration subject, but it mainly focused on Software as a Service (SaaS) service model. Figure 3 demonstrates responses collected regarding most appropriate service models for libraries. It was found that majority of the libraries (44%) used Software as a Services (SaaS) model, 38.7%libraries used Platform as a Services (PaaS) model, 15.3% adopted Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model, and about 1.3% and 0.7% libraries used the Storage as a Services (STaaS) and Desktop as a Services (DaaS) models, respectively, but Security as a Services (SEaaS), Test environment as a Services (TEaaS) and API as a Services (APIaaS) were not found appropriate service models for libraries. This means that large number of libraries use SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS models in contrast to other service models.

5.4 Reasons for using cloud computing in libraries

Figure 4 analysed the reasons for using cloud computing in libraries. Around 38% libraries used cloud computing for increasing the efficiencies of library services, 22.7% used it for making change in service deliveries, 20% used it to attract users, 16.7% for cost saving, and almost 2.7% used cloud computing for resources optimization. Similarly, Goldner (2010) defined that how cloud computing is different from other computing technologies. Fie described that cloud computing technology can benefit libraries in three main areas, i.e., technology, data, and community. Flowever most of the libraries adopt and use cloud computing to increase efficiencies in their respective services.

5.5 Barriers in adopting cloud computing in libraries

Figure 5 depicts the barriers encountered during adoption of cloud computing technology in the libraries. The most critical barrier was found to be security issues (12.9%), followed by reliability and legal issues (12.9%). Feuerlicht et al. (2011), also examined the status of different barriers in cloud computing adoption. Aside these two, five other important barriers were also identified, viz., dependence on external issues (10.8%), performance issues (10.2%), bandwidth issues (9.9%), lack of relevant issues (9.6%), loss of control (9.2%), and high cost (8.7%). Almost 3.3% have not heard about the cloud computing technology.

5.6 Types of cloud-based services currently used by the libraries

Cloud computing offers various cloud-based services on the web. Figure 6 demonstrates various types of cloud based services used by the different libraries.

Jordan's study (2011) urged to combine the cloud computing technology with library services by giving examples of Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC) cloud based services. From figure 6 it can be seen that majority of libraries are using DuraCloud ( 11.3%), followed by Dropbox (10.4%), YouTube (9.7%), OCLC cloud (8.9%), Amazon cloud (8.7%), and Google related cloud services (8.5%), respectively. Apart from these services, social networking websites such as Flickr (7.8%), Facebook (7.5%), and Twitter (6.8%) are also used by the libraries for connecting the users with their services. Other cloud based services like V cloud/VM ware, Nebula, and Open Nebula are least used by libraries. DuraCloud services offer very popular and tested open source software, viz., Dspace and Fedora, which are extensively used in building digital library.

5.7 Library Services Governing through Gloud Computing Tools and Technologies

Figure 7 clearly shows that maximum libraries (12%) use cloud computing technology for building digital library as many cloud based software are available on Internet for this purpose. Studies by Pandya (2012), and Bansode and Pujar (2012) claimed that DuraCloudis used for building digital libraries. Besides this, 11.6% libraries use cloud computing technology for marketing, 11.5% for library automation, 11.4% for collaboration and communication respectively, and 11.3% libraries use this technology for storage, 10.6% libraries clubbed cataloguing and 9.3% clubbed resources with cloud computing technology. Very few libraries (5.5%) used cloud computing for news and updates and 5.1% use it to maintain statistics. This means that largest number of libraries use cloud based services for developing digital library and for marketing purpose.

5.8 Most appropriate cloud computing deployment model for libraries

Figure 8 shows the various deployment models used in cloud based services. A large number of libraries (43.3%) relied on community cloud deployment model developed by a specific community. About 26% libraries said that hybrid cloud deployment model is appropriate for their respective libraries. A marginal difference was noted in two deployment models namely private (16%) and public (14.7%), whilst no interest was observed for federated clouds form various vendors.

5.9 Most appropriate key characteristics for cloud computing vendor selection

Selection of appropriate cloud computing services for a library is a typical task owing to various hidden charges, characteristics, policies, terms, and conditions of vendors. In this respect, Truitt (2009) discussed the issue of ownership of data in cloud computing environment. Therefore, it is necessary to ask a question about key characteristics for selecting cloud based service vendors. Figure 9 depicts that majority of the libraries (44%) were concerned with policy/privacy statements which is an essential part of reliable cloud-based service adoption. Around 20% mentioned physical location of the cloud as a point for vendor selection, 18% considered number of clients, and 14.7% and 10% libraries considered reputation and company size, respectively, for selecting cloud vendors.

5.70 Perception towards future use of cloud computing in libraries

Sasikala (2011) described the future implications of cloud computing technology in different sectors such as higher education, IT sectors (Government and private), industries, and other organizations. She said that these organizations will benefit in multi-dimensional ways such as cost reduction, increased storage capacity, high automation, flexibility, and more mobility. Also, IT will be allowed to shift focus. While asking about the perception towards future use of cloud computing technology in the libraries, very interesting responses were received from libraries (Figúrelo). Almost 33.3% libraries, i.e., more than quarter but less than half, said that cloud computing will be used fully in future, whereas 28% libraries responded as rarely, and 21% libraries partially agreed with the future use of cloud computing in the libraries. About 19.2% libraries could not able to decide or are not sure about the use of cloud computing in libraries in future.

5.77 Steps needed to augment cloud computing in libraries

Figure 11 shows steps preferred by various libraries to augment cloud computing in libraries. Almost 52.7% libraries selected "all the above" option that combined three options, viz., appropriate infrastructure development, change in organization culture, and core competency development of LIS professionals. Liu and Cai (2013) proposed strategies for systems librarians towards shifting to the cloud computing and suggested that systems librarians must upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the new demands of the changing technologies. It is interesting to note that around 10.7%, 8.1%, and 16% libraries selected appropriate infrastructure development, change in organization culture, and core competency development of LIS professionals respectively for augmentation of cloud computing in libraries. Apart from this, 12.7% libraries chose "none of the above" option.

6 Discussions

It can be seen from figure 1 that majority of respondents are librarians who are associated with library and information science profession and working in their respective libraries including academic, special, and public libraries. Majority of the librarians belong to academic libraries from India. Figure 2 showed that libraries are keen in adopting and using cutting edge technologies such as cloud computing in order to enhance their services effectively and to satisfy the information needs with much flexibility. It is needed that these libraries should set a paradigm for other libraries so that libraries which are not yet engaged with cloud computing can adopt cloud computing in their library services. Many service models emerged in cloud computing, but few were used in libraries because of lack of fully technical skills in LIS professionals. Hence, there is scope for LIS professionals to develop their technical skills in full manner, do diligent study of this technology and its other interfaces before using it in the library, and search possibilities to use other service models for library services on regular basis. It is clear from figure 4 that majority of libraries use cloud computing to increase their efficiency in services. This practice is very helpful to deliver effective services in libraries. Figure 5 depicted that only three barriers, i.e., security, reliability, and legal are the main barriers, among ten barriers mentioned in this study, for adopting cloud computing in libraries. These results showed that libraries have not yet overcome these barriers. Therefore, it is real time for libraries to think seriously and take necessary action to cope these barriers up to maximum level. As seen from figure 6 that majority of libraries are using DuraCloud, Dropbox, and Facebook cloud-based services compared to other incorporated cloud-based services. Three cloud-based services have proved their significance and library and information science community greatly became familiar with these tools. Branch (2012) also discussed the benefits of workflows of cloud computing by using an example of Ex Libris. Thus, enough opportunities are available for cloud based service providers to prove their significance in terms of delivery other library services in cloud based environment with lot many flexibilities. On other the hand, role of LIS professionals become more critical with the advent of cutting edge technologies to make successful delivery of library services. Therefore, it is suggested that LIS professionals should well verse themselves in technical knowledge of these types of cutting edge technologies such as cloud computing and others. As seen from figure 7, majority of library use cloud computing technology for developing digital library and marketing purpose that are very essential tools for imparting information, and attracting and connecting to target audience. But very few libraries used cloud computing for news and updates, to maintain statistics, and others. However, there is wide scope available for libraries to club other library services with cloud computing for effective disseminating of library services with no cost. Figure 8 shows that most of the libraries used community and hybrid based deployment models indicating a community power that may help in achieving common goals for a specific group. A mixture of two or more cloud-based services including public, private, and others were also used by libraries. As seen from figure 9 that most of libraries first look for terms and conditions provided by cloud computing vendor rather than other vendor characteristics while making use of cloud-based services. It is clear from figure 10 that most of the libraries agreed that cloud computing will be used fully in the libraries in future, it means that cloud computing in libraries will provide more flexibilities and connect the library services extensively in future. Aleshin (2012) urged to pay proper attention towards adopting cloud computing services in the libraries, thus making the cloud libraries in real sense. Therefore, it is the prime duty of the cloud service vendors to generate new cloud-based services for libraries with trustworthiness and ease of use. On the other hand, libraries also look for more possibilities to use cloud computing technology into their services. It is clear from figure 11 that majority of libraries opted combination of three steps, viz., appropriate infrastructure development, change in organization culture, and core competency development of LIS professionals to augment cloud computing in libraries. Sasikala (2013) discussed various issues associated with cloud computing technology and said that cloud computing is a huge leap towards green computing and sustainable computing with an enormous bright future. Hence, it is suggested that libraries should critically examine the factors for augmenting cloud computing in order to include this technology in libraries with full swing.

7 Conclusion

This study provides various aspects such as generalization, adoption, effectiveness, and future possibilities of cloud computing within different libraries. Perceptions received from variant libraries against questions asked for this study showed that most of the libraries are interested in using cloud-based services for enhancing their library services by using various service models. Still issues related to privacy, legal, and security have not resolved fully within libraries that act as barriers for exploring reliable and trustworthy cloud-based services through various libraries. Hence, it is time for libraries to think seriously about overcoming these barriers and to establish cloud-based library services with full reliability. It is suggested that a well-defined SLA covering security, legal, and reliability issues should be clearly and fairly framed as per requirement of libraries and should be signed by libraries prior adopting and becoming part of cloud computing. However, role of LIS professionals is more critical in providing successful delivery of library services to their users on the cloud computing environment as this technology is changing drastically. Therefore, it is suggested that LIS professionals should develop their technical skills and competencies towards cloud computing technology and strengthen the service area as per user's needs in order to deliver effective cloud-based library services with many flexibilities as per changing scenario of cloud computing environment in future perspective.

Footnote

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

2 http://www.gartner.com/it-glossary/cloud-computing

3 http://csrc.nist.gov/organizations/fissea/2009-conference/presentations/fissea 09-pmell-day3_cloud-computing.pdf

4 http:// www.kwiksurveys.com/

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