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An interview with Professor and Librarian Sangeeta Dhamdhere

Virtual Libraries, Cloud Computing, and Open Access

By IGI Global on Oct 9, 2013
Contributed by Kristen Stauffer, Discipline Manager

Web technologies, e-publishing, and open access have reinforced libraries to reach beyond any physical, political, or social barrier. Modern libraries are converting gradually to digital libraries. Cloud computing and server virtualization technology is a boon for libraries as it provides a common platform for all.

Virtual Libraries, Cloud Computing, And Open Access
Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technologies in Libraries is a new library and information science title edited by Sangeeta N. Dhamdhere (Librarian/Associate Professor, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, India) that focuses on the major advantages that cloud computing technology brings to libraries. In the preface, Dhamdhere states one of the main motivations behind this publication: “Virtualization Technology is being adopted by many players in the industry. In the year 2012, when I was preparing for a research paper on cloud computing for an international conference, I searched for books and articles on this topic. I realized that very few books existed on this topic. This motivated me to develop a complete reference book based on the virtualization concept for libraries. This book aims to provide relevant theoretical and practical information and the latest research findings in the area of virtualization of libraries.”

Recently, Professor Dhamdhere attended the 16th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD 2013), hosted by the University of Hong Kong libraries from September 23-26, 2013. This year’s theme, “Asian Values, Western Thought, World Treasure!”, focused on the goal of exploring and sharing opportunities between representatives from Asian regions and other countries around the world, in order to exchange experiences and knowledge on projects related to the topics discussed on the conference program.

In a recent interview with IGI Global, Professor Dhamdhere shared more insight with us on her experience at ETD 2013, as well as more about the inspiration behind her publication:


IGI Global: At this year’s conference, you participated in the session, “ABCD open source software for managing ETD repositories”. Can you tell us more about your presentation, and the crowd’s response?

Professor Dhamdhere: Yes. My presentation was on "ABCD Open Source Software for Managing ETD Repositories", which took place on Tuesday, September 24th, in the afternoon. The session was dedicated to Software & Technical Issues and the moderator for this session was John Hagen, from Renaissance Scholarly Communications. I discussed in brief about the present need of open access, institutional repositories, Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Repositories, software available for ETD management, and new technical features of ABCD open source software, which now enables it to manage ETD Repositories along with illustrations and demonstration.

Automation of liBraries and Centres for Documentation (ABCD) is not just library automation software, as it has a higher level of flexibility and diversity of use. This Free Open Source Software FOSS-project is by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) with BIREME (WHO/Brazil). The software is a 'software suite', like e.g. Microsoft Office, with modules for database administration (definitions of storage and indexing structures, data-entry, searching, import-export etc.), loans administration, serials management, online end-user searching (OPAC), a portal with integrated meta-search, and a Content Management System/Institutional repository system.

The audience was very much impressed with this software and its advanced technical features. They wanted to know more about this software, how to download it, and other support available, like communities, etc. As it is overall library management software and not just digital library software or CMS, it attracted the attention of the audience.

What inspired you to pursue a career in library studies and education?

SD: I have always been interested in reading and technology. This profession is noble and very important for research and researchers. Working in this field also helps you to stay updated in many different disciplines and areas of research.

What interests you most about the future of cloud computing within libraries? What changes will it bring to your library and others?

SD: Libraries handle large amounts of data and information (online and digitized). In the corporate field, employees prefer to access the data on their mobile device using cloud computing technology. Libraries will quickly migrate to cloud-based models for cost and operational efficiency. Many libraries and publishers already utilize this software to provide patrons with access to e-books and other e-resources. Cloud computing technology will help with the international standardization of libraries and their services.

Who do you hope will read your latest title with IGI Global? What do you hope they will learn from it?

SD: Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technology is a book written by many cloud and library experts from different parts of the world. This book gives complete information about its application in the library field with different models proposed by cloud experts and as seen in case studies. The security, advantages, disadvantages and limitations, the role of cloud librarians, and the application of cloud computing in open source software are also covered. Library professionals will learn about the concept of cloud computing and virtualization technology and how one can implement or apply this technology in their libraries and information centers for cost saving.

Was there anything significant from ETD that you would like to share? Is there anything else about your research you would like to add?

SD: Many experts from different parts of the world shared their views, case studies, ongoing work, and ideas in this research area. The ETD management by Hong Kong University, and its submission process, was very easy and overall, a wonderful event.

Presently I am working on one research project entitled “Designing Knowledge Management Model for Higher Education Institutes”. In educational institutions, information in the form of books, journals, project reports, and other e-resources is managed by the libraries. In this project, the focus is on the management of tacit knowledge of an educational institute. The tacit knowledge capturing techniques used by different organizations and how they preserve, disseminate, and utilize it for industry or university at national and international level will be studied in this project. My PhD research topic is a comparative study of web based services and best practices offered by top university libraries in the world and NAAC “A” Grade university libraries in India.


To find out more, visit the Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technologies in Libraries website. This title is also part of IGI Global’s Advances in Library and Information Science (ALIS) book series. ALIS is comprised of high quality, research-oriented publications on the continuing developments and trends affecting the public, school, and academic fields, as well as specialized libraries and librarians globally. These discussions on professional and organizational considerations in library and information resource development and management assist in showcasing the latest methodologies and tools in the field.
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