Cloud Computing, Smart Technology, and Library Automation

Introduction

Libraries today face many challenges presented by the continuous development of technology and the rapid dissemination of information. With these challenges, the work of libraries and the methods for retrieving and using information are affected by technology. The rapid development of technology affects all libraries, in which they are experiencing a change in how the communities they serve, and society perceive them. Libraries today are seen by many as an anchor, the center of academic research, and community activities. Libraries are no longer identified as a place for books but as cherish spaces. The spaces within libraries are used to make connections, come together to learn, find information, use technologies, exchange ideas, and collaborate (Howard, Huber, Moore, & Carter, 2018). However, the effects of user expectations, in addition to changes in higher-education pedagogy, data management, scholarly communication, and the rapid developments in technology, have forced academic libraries to create new services and resources (Saunders, 2015). In doing so, libraries are transforming their campuses, offering information literacy and technology workshops, 24/7 virtual access to digital materials, e-Books, and adding innovative technologies. In this Web 2.0 fast-paced society library, users are no longer just carrying pencils and paper to the library. Library users are bringing their own mobile devices, including smartphones, iPads, and laptops. These trends are increasing the dependency on the Internet, and the need and desire for sources that are reliable and accessible. With the advancement in technology, patrons using the library no longer desire a quiet, isolated space for reading or studying. Instead, they have a growing need to be connected and collaborating with other users. Whether library patrons are visiting the library for research or studying the traditional library space with study carrels and endless rows of stacks does not appeal to users of today. Neither does standard Internet services meet the need of library patrons. Library user desire services that are available and accessible twenty-four hours seven days a week, anywhere and at any time.

With the continuous advancements of Internet services and technology, academic libraries and institutions are more visible on the web. It is resulting in a tremendous improvement in teaching and learning that provides an opportunity for libraries to be instrumental in facilitating the services and resources needed to support users’ research needs. However, libraries must simultaneously offset traditional services, such as collection development and instruction, with new initiatives. The library environment is further affected by an increase in online programs, online resources, open-education resources, and a need for library instruction (Collins & Quan-Haase, 2012; Stvilia & Gibraedze, 2017). Distributed computing is referred to as a synonym of cloud computing over a network. The word “cloud” can be referred to as a blend of networks, hardware, storage, and interfaces to deliver a service. The main features of cloud computing are agility, reliability, scalability, pay-per-use, on-demand service, resiliency, performance, security, and resource pooling (Ali & Haseebuddin, 2015; Basu, 2018).