Cloud computing is defined as “dynamically scalable, virtualized information services delivered on-demand over the network in a pay-per-use model”. The National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST) defines Cloud computing as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

1. Dr. G. Ramadas
Deputy Librarian, Noorul Islam University,
Thuckalay-629180

2.  Cloud computing is defined as “dynamically
scalable, virtualized information services delivered
on-demand over the network in a pay-per-use
model”. The National Institute of Standards and
Technology ( NIST) defines Cloud computing as a
model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-
demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing resources (e.g., networks,
servers, storage, applications, and services) that
can be rapidly provisioned and released with
minimal management effort or service provider
interaction.

3.  Cloud computing creates a fundamental
change in computer architecture, software
and tools development, and of course, in the
way we store, distribute and consume
information. Cloud computing refers to both
the applications delivered as services over the
Internet and the hardware and system
software in the data centers that provide
those services.

4.  Cloud computing architecture features
are pushing all the data and services
to the web and the added value in this
transition may be used by a new
generation of libraries where services
and data coexist transparently “in the
cloud”.

5.  Reduced Cost
 Increased Storage
 Flexibility
 Feasibility

6.  The library community can apply the concept
of cloud computing to amplify the power of
cooperation and to build a significant, unified
presence on the Web. This approach to
computing can help libraries save time and
money while simplifying workflows.

7.  Cloud computing can take the library facility at
the most convenient state to its stakeholders
than other technical approaches. Cloud
computing can provide the optimum library
services to the users by centralizing the
resources and disk spaces of any digital library.
This concept will open more doors and windows
widely, which will let many more users get their
access from the library. Cloud computing can
provide an uninterrupted service to its
stakeholders. This revolutionary concept can
save time for all the stakeholders by providing
the efficient library services.

8.  The library automation system has gone from inception to
rapid implementation to near ubiquitous adoption. The
library has seen itself facing tremendous changes in terms of
both resources and services it provides. On the resource side,
print material and physical items are no longer dominant
collections; electronic resources are fast outpacing physical
materials to become the dominant library resources,
especially in the academic and special libraries. In addition,
many other digital format resources, such as digital
collections, institutional repositories, and e-books have taken
root. On the service front, library users—accustomed to
immediate and instant searching, finding, and accessing
information in the Google age—demand more and more
instant and easy access to library resources and services

9.  comprehensive library resources
management;
 a system based on service-oriented
architecture;
 the ability to meet the challenge of new
library workflow; and
 a next-generation discovery layer.

10.  The scope for utilizing the cloud computing
technology in the field of library and
information services are more due to various
constraints such as cost, space, manpower,
time and outdated technology. It can also be
used to manage both print and digital
content and make more use of knowledge
bases for efficient resource management.
More studies are to be carried out the
feasibility and scope for its implementations
in the library and information centers.