Adoption of Cloud Computing Technology for Library Services in the National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN) Library, Awka Study Center Anambra State
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study:
The broad objective of the study is to examine the adoption of cloud computing technology for library services in NOUN library. The specific objectives are:
- To determine the existing computer networks available in NOUN Library.
- To determine the Rationale for adopting cloud computing in NOUN Library
- To determine the Information services provided using cloud computing in NOUN Library.
- To proffer solutions to the implications in terms cost, staff and maintenance of cloud computing in NOUN Library.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
This chapter presented under the following sub- heading:-2.1 Computer Networks available in the Libraries
Rationales for the adoption of cloud computing in Libraries
Information Services provided through cloud computing in Libraries
Implication of cloud computing in Libraries
Summary of literature review
Computer Networks in Libraries
Library network is a collective or co- operative activity of linking members/users to the resources hosted on computers by means of telecommunication connections. Lihitkar, (2012) asserted that a network is developed when a group of libraries and information centers have common interest to exchange information through computer and communication technology. Dhenavandah & Tamizhchelvan (2014) identified classification of Networks based on Utility criterion: Resource sharing network, Data sharing network communication and data exchange network. Resource sharing network main purpose is sharing of resources and other applications that are subordinate in nature, data sharing network provides access to unique databases from workstations situated at distance apart, while communication data exchange network allows users to exchange data, graph or documents and to communicate with each other using such devices as electronic mail, bulletin board etc.
The state of library networking system depends on the availability and quality of electrical power and the type and distribution of electrical wiring in the library through computer network observed by Eric (2012). Computers operate better and last longer when the computer network that powers the library is continuous and of consistent voltage. Many libraries, especially academic libraries need sufficient supply of network to withstand the additional demand made by the computers asserted by Kessler (2013). Furthermore, networks cables may not be the correct gauge to withstand the additional load caused by computers being connected to the library’s networking system according to Eric (2012). One reason why many libraries decide to install computer network in libraries is to overcome the challenges and issues of poor computer networking that may require the library to refurbish the existing network system or add a whole new network supply system which reduces the amount of electrical wiring needed. Also, computers, especially those connected to a local area network (LAN), require a grounded electrical system to operate smoothly and trouble-free. Again, this is less costly if done to one or two computer in the library rather than to the entire library.
The computer network used during the last several decades in libraries has made a massive shift from traditional concepts of “the library”. The catalyst for this shift has been the computer network asserted by Kessler (2012). The computer network has been developed to provide access to information promised by traditional library work. Today, developments like high-capacity networks and broadband communications offer physical access to data to average users on a level never dreamed of by the inventors of the paper-and-cardboard book or the library card catalog. And yet intellectual access to that data appears to be impeded, by lack of organization and by the inability of average users to find useful information within it.
Ineffectual hand wringing often characterizes the response of the profession traditionally concerned with the provision of information in the library community. Mark (2014) asserted that reaction of “information-overloaded” results to the recent history of the interaction between libraries and the computer. Network is a system of interconnected computers for sharing information and resources that may involve two or more computer in a single office or several computers in different units across a library or across so many in a country. Networks include: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and World Wide Web (WWW). With computer networks, library can access and see information from different locations and download for users need.
Krubu and Osawam (2011) noted that the impacts of computer networks are felt by libraries in every aspect. They further added that computing technology, communication technology, and mass storage technology are some of the areas of continuous development that reshape the way libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate and disseminate information to users. Gbaje and Aliyu (2014) however lamented that unfortunately, in developing countries particularly Nigeria, libraries started automating with an underdeveloped information and telecommunications infrastructure which include inadequate computer network. Similarly, the use of open source library automatism software often sees as a panacea for library automation in developing countries has been very gradual in Nigeria. Reason being the dearth of its skills required for both development and maintenance of open source software, it is expensive and high storage capacity which are poorly developed or beyond the financial reach of most academic libraries.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is presented in the following sub-headings: research method adopted population of the study, sampled population and sampling procedures, research instrument, procedures for data collection and analysis.
Research Method Adopted for the study
This study adopted the qualitative methodology approach. Qualitative research is defined as “any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification” (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). According to Creswell (2003), qualitative research takes place in the natural setting. He states that the qualitative researcher often goes to the site (office) of the participants to conduct the research. This enables the researcher to develop a level of detail about the individual or place and to be highly involved in actual experiences of the participants.
According to Denzin and Lincoln (1994), qualitative methodologies include “interviewing; observing; artifacts, documents, and records; visual methods; personal experience methods; data management methods; computer-assisted analysis; and textual analysis”. All of these methods may be useful in gaining an insight into the adoption of cloud computing technology for library services.
Population of the Study
The population of this study consists of five (5) members of National Open University of Nigeria Library. The target population of the study includes the University Librarian and the (4) staff of the Information Technology (IT) unit of the National Open University of Nigeria Library who are responsible for the administration of cloud computing technology.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
This chapter is presented in the following sub- headings: Response rate of the respondents in the IT unit of the National Open University of Nigeria library and the University Librarian; Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion.
Response Rate
The entire five (100%) target respondent in the Information Technology unit and the University Librarian of NOUN library participated in the semi-structured and structured interviews. (Table 4.1)
Chapter Five
Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations
Introduction
This chapter is presented in the following sub-headings: summary, summary of major findings, conclusion and recommendation.
Summary of the Study
This chapter is presented in the following sub-heading: summary of the findings, summary of the major findings conclusion and recommendation. The study investigated the adoption of cloud computing technology for library services in the National Open University of Nigeria library. It investigated the existing computer network available in NOUN library. It also identified the rationales for adopting cloud computing in NOUN library, it also attempted to ascertain the information services
provided using cloud computing in NOUN library. The study has identified the implications of cloud computing in terms of cost, staff and maintenance in the National Open University of Nigeria library.
In order to achieve the objectives of the study, four research questions were formulated and tested. The review of relevant literature revealed that libraries can benefit from using cloud computing technology by increasing computing performance, storage, capacity, universal accessibility and cost reduction.
The instruments used to collect data were unstructured and semi-structured interviews, direct observation and the use of digital recorder. A semi-structured interview covered all the research questions which sought to find out the adoption of cloud computing technology for library services in NOUN Library.
The data collected for the study were organized for analyzed and transcribed into different types. The data were then tabulated and discussed descriptively.
Summary of Major Findings
The major findings of the study include the following:
- The study discovered that Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Internet, Campus Area Network, and Networks were the existing computer networks available in NOUN library
- The rationales for the adoption of cloud computing in NOUN library is to provide information to its students who are spread across the country and to equally make the information accessible and not location specific.
- The information services provided using cloud computing in NOUN Library are-digital library/ repositories, searching library data, searching scholarly content, file storage, building community power and library Automation.
- The implication in terms of cost, staff, and maintenance of the adoption of cloud computing technology in NOUN Library was mainly subjected to budgetary issues which lead to inadequate training of staff and the issue of recruiting the right staff to do the job.
Conclusions
Arising from the findings of the study, it can be concluded that NOUN Library adopt cloud computing to provide library and information services to its students who are scattered all across the country where access to information must be unfettered and not location specific. And to enable NOUN Librarians to get out of technology headaches such as computer viruses, system crashes, and loss of data, but save time, money, while simplifying workflow.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations are hereby made:
- The National Open University of Nigeria in collaboration with the University Librarian should provide WAN in each Study Centre’s with fast internet connection which will connect multiple locations to NOUN Headquarter Library and equally use it to control its services and data.
- National Open University of Nigeria Library should incorporate community and hybrid cloud deployment model to its library services in order to benefit from all that cloud computing deployment models offers and to eradicate the fear that usually associated with sensitive file leakage, lost or crash of software, malfunction or malware associated with laptop or desktops.
- The University Librarian in collaboration with NOUN Information Technology staff should introduce the cloud-based video service, and cloud-based software such as Ning, Survey Monkey, Wufoo, Stumbleupon, My goya and Ms online to its information services as these will equally boost the library services delivery.
- In the case of cost, staff and maintenance implication, the Federal Government should increase budget allocation (TETfund) to the libraries. Meanwhile, NOUN Library should avoid overdependence on the government to fund their cloud application project. They need to solicit for grants from financial institutions like banks, NGOs and other foundations. Regular training and retraining of staff is equally needed to have a positive outlook of the provision of relevant library services. This approach towards cloud computing will equally help NOUN Library save time and cost while simplifying workflows. More so, due to the fact that the cloud services are usage based or pay as-you-go pricing, NOUN Library can initially adjust the usage and cost of its IT-related services in an efficient way. This idea is similar to the pricing of public utility such as water, electricity, and gas in which the user only pays for the usage and there is no need for investment in the infrastructure or specific equipment, which may account for a lot of money. Therefore, NOUN Library can experience the cost reduction at the beginning and the flexibility of cost management.
Suggestions for further Studies
- Adoption of Cloud Computing Technology in all the First and Second Generation University Libraries in Nigeria.
- Adoption of Cloud Computing Technology in all the First Second Generation Polytechnics and College of Education Libraries in Nigeria.
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