Libraries: Are their heads in the clouds?

Join me, on the continued adventures in library school !

Libraries can now be found on social networking sites, through instant messaging services, YouTube, blogs, and through texting services (15.) Moving along the same parallel as the technological backdrop and mobile devices that are shaping the growing library community is the idea of Cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to the idea that content such as: documents, schedules, music, or other media being stored on a server and accessed on an Internet ready device like a computer or mobile phone. This system can further be described as applications running on a device being stored online. Cloud computing is not a new idea, email systems have been using the basic idea for a long time, but we are now reaching a point of constant connectivity for a large enough group of people that deeper implementations are possible and becoming practical:for example: we all are able to work on the same Google doc in a variety of locations.


Cloud computing services are usually provided through a third-party service. Many libraries are already linking library content directly from within a virtual learning environment, providing information literacy tools, websites that work with mobile phones and engaging with students on facebook or via twitter. The popularity of online reference, or “ask-an-expert” services as noted in the 2010 Worldcat Report can assist in illustrating the need for Cloud services like search services, learning activities and course resources. Services such as these may reflect a higher level of connectivity that will affect libraries as the expectation for immediacy will be driven higher. Other possible limiting factors for serious cloud computing needs are the necessity of a very fast Internet connection to meet the needs of a large variety of users.


Cloud computing is a current buzz word. People think they need it before they even know what it is. Cloud Computing is essentially just a convenient way to say online server. A common misconception on cloud computing is that it syncs all your computers together just by turning it on, but current implementations don't store ALL of your data. Further misconceptions are thinking about the system as a backup storage, or additional storage for all your devices. Cloud computing within the library scope would be beneficial for research guides and online reference needs. Current cloud-like services within the library field include: QuestionPoint, Summon, LibGuides, Worldcat, Connexion, and Primo Totalcare. Keeping in mind current interests and popular services cloud computing can be a beneficial tool especially when considering the shift in when and where users prefer to get their library needs met. As mentioned in the 2010 report “it seems that self-sufficient information consumers still appreciate expertise and a passion for learning—but they like it best on their time, with their tools” (94).


Cervone, H. F. (2010). An overview of virtual and cloud computing. OCLC Systems and Services, 26(3), 162-165. Retrieved from http://www.scopus.com/

"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore"

Yesterday's Division of Libraries All Staff Meeting was a great reminder, I thought, of our libary's mission and our place in helping that mission to succeed. We all get so bogged down in our individual work that these reminders are vital.

On that note, here is one of the animated short films that's been nominated for an Academy Award this year. It's described by its creators as "a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor."

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore Trailer from Moonbot Studios.

At the All Staff meeting, Dean Mandel touched on the concept of the library as a place, how that powerful iconography still speaks to people even in the context of the modern information age. Although as a research library, we are mostly hosting users engaged in scholarly pursuits and not reading for pleasure or escape, of course our concept of the book as object remains equally powerful. Thus, this fanciful short film might also help remind many of us just why we wanted to work in libraries in the first place.

I hope it will inspire you as we go forward with our new Strategic Plan!

Bonus confession: I totally teared up at the end.


via PhiliBiblos