FEATURE Cloud tools
Brighter outlook for tools in the cloud
The adoption of cloud-based systems by research libraries is on the rise, according to Sharon Davies
T
welve months ago Research Information reported on how the growth and improved accessibility of the cloud is presenting a wealth of exciting opportunities for
research libraries.
Fast-forward one year and the benefits of library tools in the cloud continue to be realised by research libraries, as the adoption of cloud- based systems continues to grow. JG Chirapurath, senior vice president and general manager at ProQuest Workflow Solutions, observed: ‘A year ago there were early adopter libraries who were moving to cloud- based systems. Now it seems we have crossed the chasm and are in an “early majority” phase, with the pace of adoption increasing. Rather than buying discrete traditional systems, libraries looking at any type of new system are evaluating integrated cloud-based systems because they
recognise the value those systems bring.’ Adding to this point, Andrew Pace, OCLC’s executive director, networked library services, said: ‘When I was in library school, libraries changed their systems every seven years, yet in the last decade that figure has changed to just once in every 10 to 15 years, due to libraries holding on to legacy systems.’ However, as libraries decide to embrace new cloud-based technologies so this trend appears to be changing as observed by Pace: ‘If you look at Marshall Breedon’s data report on the number of libraries shopping for new library systems, it’s roughly 34 per cent across the entire industry, as libraries increasingly see solutions out there that can move them to the next generation. A lot of libraries are now actively watching this space. So it’s a very exciting time.’
Chirapurath said: ‘Both corporate and academic libraries are moving forward quickly
36 Research Information OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
with adoption of cloud-based systems for different reasons, but both recognise the benefits that cloud-based discovery and management systems bring to libraries. Corporate libraries are ahead of some library segments in looking at cloud-based services because they are more familiar with cloud-based technology. Corporate research libraries benefit from operating in a more “tech-friendly” environment and are driven to seek access to the most current research information they can find. ‘However, these same corporate libraries are also cautious because they view research as a business critical advantage and have different types of privacy concerns than academic librarians.’ He continued: ‘Academic libraries are also rapidly adopting cloud-based systems because they see the benefit of these services and don’t want to focus their limited budget on IT expenses and management. Academic research libraries also understand the cloud-based systems better support management of the growing volume of electronic resources and can support researchers’ needs better.
Chirapurath added: ‘Corporate researchers also benefit from academic researchers’ desire to
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