Cloud computing implementation in libraries: A synergy for library services optimization

Cloud computing is an internet based, remote driven and service oriented technology emerged to provide infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS) among others. By implementing cloud computing, libraries will significantly reduce cost of maintaining systems, save energy, register a global outlook on the web, expose library patrons to multi-variant information resources and optimize their services. This study tries to provide understanding on the general relevance of cloud computing to libraries and how libraries can be transformed into smart institution in order to implement the cloud technology. Five facilities such as digital resources, internet service, thin client architecture, wireless access point and digital librarian are considered as prerequisites for cloud computing deployment. It is recommended that libraries can revive and maintain their relevance by integrating with the cloud computing technology, which will make them part of Internet of Things (IoT) experience that will soon dominate the activities of every educational sector. Key words: Cloud computing, library, information technology, thin client, wireless access point.