Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe book is well set out and easy to read. It is also comprehensive in coverage and easily understood by someone without extensive technical knowledge. It serves as a useful introduction to cloud computing for libraries and is recommended to librarians seeking to understand the role of cloud computing in their work and to evaluate the relevance of cloud computing services. * Australian Library Journal *
Written by the director of technology services at the Northeast Kansas Library System in Lawrence, Kansas, this book takes the reader through the most popular cloud services being used in libraries and breaks them down so that the user can know how to pick the best one for their particular library’s needs. This is a fast-changing industry right now with new types of services being added to the cloud daily. While the overview of services will be useful to those new to using cloud technology in the library, much of the information in this volume may become dated quickly due to the ever-changing industry. Arranged into chapters that build upon each other, this volume discusses the use of the cloud in libraries, Web hosting in the cloud, cloud backups, managing computers from the cloud, project management, social media, security, and training. The author does a good job at demystifying the concept of the cloud and at helping the reader make a more informed decision for their library. * American Reference Books Annual *
Robin Hastings brilliantly demystifies and explains cloud concepts in plain English so that all readers can make informed decisions about cloud software access, services, and security. Her book covers computer management and security, software, data storage, email management, and staff training. By dividing the book into areas of specific interest within libraries, Robin allow her readers the opportunity to either get detailed information on a critical area of need or a thorough overview of cloud services and practical cloud management best practices. Making the Most of the Cloud: How to Choose and Implement the Best Services for Your Library should be required reading for all library staff, with the IT and administrative level staff at the top of the request list. -- Maurice Coleman, host, producer, and creator, T is for Training; principal, Coleman and Associates
Robin Hastings has saved me a difficult conversation! Or at least made that conversation a LOT easier. Explaining the ‘Cloud’ and ‘SaaS’ (Software as a Service) can be a challenge – Robin gives you the tools to make those conversations flow, and make your decisions cogently. She has brought together the many options, issues, questions and decisions that surround turning to the Cloud for library solutions. Whether your focus is infrastructure systems like ILS in the Cloud or Web Hosting, or more end user-focused options like web storage for video content or cloud storage for patron files, Robin lays them out clearly and prepares you for any conversation with your organization’s stakeholders about these new services. One pleasant surprise was a chapter on Project Management in the Cloud. Options, basics of pricing, what the services can and cannot do – this is all very valuable and tough to piece together on your own. Her chapter on Social Media alerting services had me instantly browsing the web for a better solution than what I’d been using. A great resource for any library looking to the Cloud for solutions. -- Louis Alcorn, Reference Technology Librarian, West Des Moines Public Library
Robin Hastings knows cloud technologies. Her in-depth knowledge of how to provide services and infrastructure using these tools is particularly relevant for small, resource thin libraries. Robin writes in clear, easy to understand language, demystifying and making plain the scariest of technological concepts. Equipped with this book, libraries will be able to propel themselves into the 21st century services users and staff expect with little cost and bloodshed. Making the Most of the Cloud is a must have for small libraries. Make sure to put this in your toolkit! -- Jezmynne Dene, Director of Portneuf District Library, Idaho
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1 - Definitions and Limits of Cloud Computing Chapter 2 - Why Use the Cloud Chapter 3 - ILS in the Cloud Hosted Link Resolvers Hosted Proxy Servers Chapter 4 - Web Hosting Web Content Filtering Video Hosting Chapter 5 - Backups Chapter 6 – Software as a Services (SaaS) iEmployee and other HR services Desk stats for Reference Chapter 7 - Manage Computers from the Cloud File storage Time and Management software Chapter 8 - Email Chapter 9 - Project Management Chapter 10 - Social Media Chapter 11 - Graphics Chapter 12 - Security Chapter 13 - Training Chapter 14 - Afterword and Resources
