Cloud-based Services: Prospects for the University Libraries

Abstract

University libraries are set to build and manage their own data centres. In this data-model libraries would gain more control over the software applications and data stores. Cloud-based technologies are here to make this possible. This paper, discusses meaning, definition, and characteristics of cloudbased computing. It emphasises on IT infrastructure and highlights the potentialities of libraries in implementation of these technologies. It also gives brief introduction to the challenges posed by cloud-based library services. The objective of this paper is to investigate and design reference architecture to digital library systems with scalability using cloud computing. This paper intend to explore the possibilities with ‘cloud-based technologies’ as ‘must adoptable’, feasible prospects for future of university library systems in building highly scalable and robust information systems.