Getting Started with Cloud Computing

Ever wondered what cloud computing really means in practise and how it can help you? Cloud computing has caused a revolution in libraries and theoretically offered a simpler, cheaper, more collaborative way of working and providing user services. International thought leaders on library technology including Marshall Breeding and Nicole Engard unpick the promises and the reality of cloud computing in this cutting-edge guide to understanding and using these tools. While Part I defines what cloud computing is and various approaches to exploiting it’s potential Part II goes on to explore the technologies which are driving this revolution. Part 3 draws together a cross section of case studies demonstrating innovative tools in practice such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Calendar, and Ning. The key topics covered are: • perspectives on cloud computing in libraries • an introduction to the cloud • pros and cons of cloud computing • what cloud computing means for libraries • librarian and vendor perspectives on cloud computing • cloud computing for LIS education • library discovery services • Koha in the cloud • leveraging OCLC Cooperative Library Data in the cloud via web services • building push-button repositories in the cloud with DSpace and Amazon • selecting a cloud-based data access and file sharing solution • SharePoint strategies for establishing a powerful library intranet Readership: This is an essential practical toolkit for information professionals working in libraries, archives and museums who want to get to grips with cloud computing concepts and implement practical tools. It also provides an up-to-date introduction for LIS students and academics.

Table of Contents:
1. Perspectives on Cloud Computing in Libraries - Heather Lea Moulaison and Edward M Corrado Introduction The Promise of Cloud Computing The Reality: Cloud Computing Is Not a Silver Bullet Privacy in Libraries’ Clouds Security in Libraries’ Clouds Data Ownership Evaluation Conclusion References 2. Understanding the Cloud: An Introduction to the Cloud - Rosalyn Metz Introduction Defining the Cloud Five Characteristics of the Cloud Three Service Models Four Deployment Models Conclusion References 3. Cloud Computing: Pros and Cons - H Frank Cervone Introduction What Cloud Computing Is Not Pros of Cloud Computing Cons of Cloud Computing Things to Consider When Evaluating Cloud Services Conclusion References 4. What Cloud Computing Means for Libraries - Erik Mitchell Introduction Our Information Technology Environment How Cloud Computing Responds to Current IT Needs How Will Cloud Computing Change Libraries and IT Organizations? Conclusion References 5. Head in the Clouds? A Librarian/Vendor Perspective on Cloud Computing - Carl Grant Introduction Disadvantages, Real and Perceived, of Cloud Computing Areas Where Librarians and Vendors Must Work Together Closely The Future of Cloud Computing References 6. Cloud Computing for LIS Education - Christinger R Tomer and Susan W Alman Introduction Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Building a New Technological Environment for Teaching and Learning about Library and Archival Systems What Should Be Included in a Virtual Learning Laboratory Program? Conclusion References PART II: TECHNOLOGIES 7. Library Discovery Services: From the Ground to the Cloud - Marshall Breeding Ground to the Cloud Introduction End-User Discovery Separated from In-Library Automation The ILS: No Longer Comprehensive Automation Expanding Scope through Federated Search Discovery Service versus Federated Search Resource Allocation Differences Discovery Interfaces: Replace and Expand OPAC Functionality Connecting Discovery Products Discovery: Mix and Match with the ILS Discovery Aims for the Cloud Building the Aggregated Index Discovery Taps the Cloud References Related Resources 8. Koha in the Cloud - Christopher R Nighswonger and Nicole C Engard Introduction: The History Koha and the Cloud Putting Koha in the Cloud Conclusion References 9. Leveraging OCLC Cooperative Library Data in the Cloud via Web Services - Karen A Coombs Introduction Overview of OCLC Web Services Integrating WorldCat Data in Other Tools Shared Solutions to Simple Problems WorldCat Data in the Mobile Environment Conclusion Resources 10. Building Push-Button Repositories in the Cloud with DSpace and Amazon Web Services - John Davison Introduction Progress through Careful Planning Building a Push-Button Repository Next Steps: Your Repository on DSpace Software Next Steps for the DRC: Push-Button Micro Collections References 11. Untethering Considerations: Selecting a Cloud-Based Data Access and File-Sharing Solution - Heidi M Nickisch Duggan and Michelle Frisque Introduction Variables to Consider Examples of Cloud Storage Solutions Conclusion 12. SharePoint Strategies for Establishing a Powerful Library Intranet - Jennifer Diffin and Dennis Nangle Introduction Implementation Strategy Social Networking within SharePoint SharePoint Features Conclusion References PART III: CASE STUDIES 13. Using Windows Home Server and Amazon S3 to Back Up High-Resolution Digital Objects to the Cloud - Edward Iglesias Introduction Background Selection Process Our Solution Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion and Future Direction References 14. Keeping Your Data on the Ground When Putting Your (Lib)Guides in the Cloud - Karen A Reiman-Sendi, Kenneth J Varnum, and Albert A Bertram Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion 15. Parting the Clouds: Use of Dropbox by Embedded Librarians - Caitlin A Bagley Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion 16. From the Cloud, a Clear Solution: How One Academic Library Uses Google Calendar - Anne Leonard Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion References 17. Integrating Google Forms into Reference and Instruction - Robin Elizabeth Miller Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion References 18. Ning, Fostering Conversations in the Cloud - Leland R. Deeds, Cindy Kissel-Ito, and Ann Thomas Knox Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion 19. Not Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining: Using a Cloud Application May Not Always Be the Best Solution - Ann Whitney Gleason Introduction Background Selection Process Conclusion 20. Speak Up! Using VoiceThread to Encourage Participation and Collaboration in Library Instruction - Jennifer Ditkoff and Kara Young Introduction Background Selection Process Implementation Assessment and Evaluation Conclusion About the Editors and Contributors Index

About the Author :
Edward Corrado is Director of Library Technology at Binghamton University, New York. Heather Lea Moulaison is Assistant Professor at the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri.

Review :
"Timely and essential reading for library administrators and information technologists, this concise and comprehensive work will help them position their libraries as web destinations." "This book would be useful to anyone who would like to understand more about cloud computing in relation to libraries. It provides an opportunity to be inspired with new ideas and potential ways for an institution to save money." "...an excellent non-technical introduction to what may prove to be a dominating influence in the environment that libraries have to work in."