The use of cloud computing technology by librarians at University of Nigeria Nsukka Library

Abstract

In recent times, the concept of data storage and resource management has already changed as a result of the use of cloud computing technology in business environments, although these changes have been considerably slower to occur in the field of library and information science. In order to retain its relevance in the technology-driven world, the administration of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka installed an information technology infrastructure and launched a university capacity-building program. However, the use of technology such as cloud computing for effective information distribution is unavoidable to meet the requirement and the unique needs of the entire university. This, therefore, informs the need for the study. Descriptive survey research design of the quantitative method was used for this study in order to have in-depth understanding of the usage of cloud computing technology for library. A total of ten (10) copies of questionnaire were distributed to the university librarian and library staff of the ICT unit in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library. Results obtained showed that 5(50%) of the respondents indicated that the Free Software as a Service (SaaS) was the major layers of cloud computing services used in University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library, followed by Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) with the affirmation of 2(20%) respondents each while Paid subscription Software as a Service (PaaS) was the least layer of cloud computing technology services used as indicated by 1(10%) respondents. It was concluded that cloud computing technology is implemented majorly in the areas of cataloging and metadata, storage, retrieval and generation in University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library. Finally, it is recommended that cloud computing technology be introduced in all satellite campuses of the university, training and retraining on cloud computing technology be given to all library staff and the library be given enough annual budget in addition to putting the library’s cloud computing technology activities online for public patronage.