Library services through cloud computing

Cloud computing impacts library functions from public service through to library systems. It is useful for subject specialty libraries ranging from the humanities to the sciences. If you are interested in experimenting with new technologies and services without a lot of technical know-how, this seminar may interest you.

What is cloud computing?

If you’ve used Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, or Hotmail - you’ve used cloud computing.

“Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand through the Internet” (Wikipedia, 2010).

In other words, information and software do not need to be stored on your personal computer. This abstraction of hardware and software allows you to take different approaches in selecting and implementing library services.

Here is a video introduction to cloud computing.

Seminar topics

(1) An introduction to cloud computing

(2) Case studies of academic libraries using cloud computing to enhance different service areas:

library systems (e.g., catalogs, discovery systems, request management systems)
educational initiatives (e.g., outreach to students, instructional support)
scholarly communications (e.g., digital repositories)
public services (e.g., enhancing online conversations with patrons)

Speaker

Erik T. Mitchell, Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Technology Services
Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Dr. Mitchell has led the migration of ZSR Library services to cloud environments over the past year. He recently chaired the cloud computing discussion panel at the ALA-LITA Conference 2010.
http://groups.google.com/group/alacloud

Erik's website is http://www.erikmitchell.info
His email is mitcheet@wfu.edu

Details

Please contact:

Jeffery Loo
Chemical Informatics Librarian
jloo@berkeley.edu