Computing in the Cloud
Format: Online
Fee: $75 for those in the California library community and Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others.
(An Infopeople Online Learning Course)
Tuesday March 23, 2010 – Monday April 19, 2010
Cloud computing—is it a buzzword or a real solution for libraries? You keep hearing about it, but what does it actually mean and how could your library benefit from it? In a nutshell, cloud computing is simply using remote, web-based servers and applications. If you haven't explored it, you may be missing opportunities to facilitate collaboration, improve service, save money, and streamline workflows in your library.
As a result of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the larger context of "the cloud" and which aspects are most relevant to libraries
- Explore, test, and evaluate the usefulness of cloud-based applications
- Identify both the benefits and potential drawbacks of these applications
- Decide which cloud-based applications make sense for your library
When you complete the course, you will have a solid grasp of the possibilities, tips on how to leverage the cloud, and a plan for implementing a specific cloud-based service.
Course Description: This four-week online learning course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of cloud computing and its potential uses in libraries. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on practice, you will see the possibilities that computing in the cloud offers. During online meetings, there will be demonstrations of cloud computing and an opportunity to hear guest presenter Gabe Macias describe Mosio's Text a Librarian application.
Preliminary Course Outline: Using your web browser and your Internet connection, you will log in to the Infopeople online learning site and complete the following learning modules:
- Week 1: What is Cloud Computing?
- Definitions and key concepts
- Relevance for libraries
- Cloud-based tools to "Create and Collaborate"
- Week 2: Benefits of Computing in the Cloud
- What does the cloud offer?
- Why would I want to use it?
- Cloud-based tools to "Post and Publish"
- Week 3: Potential Drawbacks of Computing in the Cloud
- Limitations and pitfalls
- Choosing the right tool for the job
- Cloud-based tools to "Store and Share"
- Week 4: Leveraging the Cloud for Productivity and Improved Service
- Examples of successful uses of cloud computing
- Implementing a cloud-based solution
- Overcoming obstacles and planning for on-going maintenance
Time required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 3½ hours per week for 4 weeks, for a total of 14 hours. You can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night. However, it is recommended that you complete each week's assignments within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
Who Should Take This Course: This course will be of interest to anyone who wants to gain an overview of cloud computing with a focus on its relevance for libraries. This course is especially appropriate for library webmasters, and technology or reference librarians, and any staff who contribute to the library's web presence.
Because of hands-on assignments, enrollment for this course is limited. Please enroll promptly to avoid disappointment.
Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at
http://www.infopeople.org/training/learning_details.html.
To be successful in this course, you should also be comfortable creating online accounts in order to try out web-based tools, and installing applications and plugins, as needed. Note that installing applications may require administrator-level access, and therefore, you may prefer to use a personal computer rather than a workplace computer.
Course Start: This 4-week-long online learning course starts on Tuesday March 23, 2010.
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