Getting Started with Cloud Computing is a handy little guide for librarians just starting to dip their toes into this emerging technology. In the foreword, Roy Tennant, senior program officer at OCLC, summarizes the ultimate benefit of cloud computing for libraries with his statement that cloud computing “enables libraries to stop dealing with technical issues that have nothing to do with their day-to-day missions and services” (p. xii). With budgets on the decline and concerns about staffing, cloud computing may be just the thing that helps libraries do more with less.
The content of this book is structured in a manner that allows one to start at the beginning and read through the text, much like a guide, or peruse specific sections that are suitable as stand-alone resources. It is composed of twenty chapters individually authored by leading library technologists whose brief biographies and contact information are included at the rear of the book. Three distinct sections organize the material: “Part I: General Concerns,” “Part II: Technologies,” and “Part III: Case Studies.” Each section contains a series of chapters which delve into the dynamics of cloud computing, its impact for libraries and librarians, specific cloud computing tools, and examples of these tools being used in particular library settings. Each chapter stands independently of the others, beginning with an introduction, providing a solid discussion, and wrapping up with a conclusion and list of references for further inquiry. Additionally, the book incorporates a number of illustrations and tables to help facilitate understanding of the text and provides a nice index for referring back to these supplements.
The general discussion of cloud computing is well balanced, incorporating numerous angles for understanding the concept without beleaguering the point of just what exactly cloud computing is. Similarly, the section pertaining to technologies is nicely representative of technologies specific to, or suitable for, the library environment. It includes discussions of cloud-based discovery and integrated library system (ILS) options, OCLC web services, and productivity tools including file sharing and intranet support. The section on case studies is heavily geared toward practical, public services tools for utilizing cloud-based functionalities, including discussions of Dropbox and various Google tools. The reader could benefit from a more representative body of case studies, specifically if the text referred back to some of the technologies discussed in part II to add an element of cohesiveness to the content. There is no case study regarding cloud-based ILS or discovery initiatives, which would have been a useful addition, including a more meaty discussion of web scale technologies on the horizon. These cloud-based options promise to feature prominently on the minds and agendas of many librarians; therefore, a more robust coverage of these topics would be desirable.
Cloud computing is a concept that encompasses a wide range of technologies and services and is pertinent to a variety of individuals and industries independent of the library world. This work, appropriately, takes an approach that is specific to library concerns and operations. A benefit of this book is the broad scope that it takes related to cloud computing. In particular, it notes that “cloud computing can be defined in a number of ways, but this book takes the broadest possible approach, considering any use of remote computing power accessed through the Internet as a kind of cloud computing” (p. xiii). Indeed, this is a wide net to cast, but the authors successfully touch on some of the more practical technologies and applications that can be easily utilized or integrated into one's service environment.
As a whole, the text is written in a manner that is friendly and digestible, and not overly technical. The language is user-friendly, and the book can be enjoyed and found useful by someone just starting to become familiar with the concept and seasoned learners interested in applying some aspect of cloud computing to their service model. The preface indicates that a librarian, computer professional, or library administrator could equally benefit from this book due to its flexible organization and scope. Other audiences that could potentially benefit from this text include library and information science educators and, equally so, library science students. This book not only provides a well-rounded, general discussion of cloud computing, but provides some real-world snapshots of how librarians are utilizing this technology, which can be a beneficial view for those just entering the library world.
Overall, this is a nice primer for familiarizing oneself with the concept of cloud computing and its practical applications in the library setting. It is rather unique in content and scope with its emphasis on library application and its introductory nature. Numerous books exist on cloud computing in general, but not with this specific bent. Leading library technologist Marshall Breeding released another Library Information Technology Association (LITA) publication as part of its Tech Set in April 2012, Cloud Computing for Libraries (ISBN: 978-1-55570-785-9). His text could be a good complement for Getting Started with Cloud Computing and may provide a more in-depth analysis of some of the topics covered in this volume.
At the very least, Getting Started With Cloud Computing can help to equip any library professional with a basis of understanding for engaging in conversation with others as to how these new and innovative technologies can help to benefit and transform a library's service model. From a more action-oriented standpoint, it can help to provide a road map for integrating some of the presented technologies and case studies into one's own operations. The text is not exhaustive and could certainly include more examples and applications of cloud computing in libraries, but this resource is a good starting pointing for understanding cloud computing and embarking on further exploration.