Library Services in the Cloud

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An Infopeople Online Learning Course

Dates: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 – Monday, August 13, 2012

Fee: $75 for those in the California library community and Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others (about payment)

Course Instructor: Roy Tennant

Do you see the term "cloud computing" virtually everywhere but wonder what it means and whether it is something important for your library? This course starts with the basics and swiftly moves on to the potential implications for libraries of all types. Roy Tennant, well known for explaining technical topics simply and understandably, will lead you through an exploration of cloud computing and its implications for libraries.

By the end of the course you will know:

  • The meaning of various cloud computing terms
  • The different types of cloud computing services, consumer and enterprise, and the particular audiences to which they are directed
  • Criteria for evaluating the various cloud computing services
  • Specific examples of how libraries are currently using cloud computing services
  • Resources for further learning on the topic

Taking this course will enable you to participate intelligently in conversations with colleagues about these new kinds of services and whether they should and can be used in your particular situation. You will emerge with a set of criteria for evaluating these services and making good decisions about what they have to offer your organization, as well as a perspective on cloud computing trends among libraries.

Course Description: During the course you will be reading and participating in discussion forums and online meetings as well as hearing from experts in the area of cloud computing such as Marshall Breeding, author of "Cloud Computing for Libraries," and Sarah Hougton-Jan (the well-known Librarian in Black) who will discuss how public libraries are using cloud services. The concepts of consumer cloud computing, illustrated by services such as Flickr and Gmail, will be described, illustrated, and contrasted with enterprise cloud computing in which organizations can requisition additional computing resources on-the-fly as required. 

Preliminary Course Outline: Using an Internet connection and web browser, you will log in to the Infopeople online learning site and complete the following learning modules:

  • Week 1: Basics of Cloud Computing and a Closer Look at Consumer Cloud Computing
    • What cloud computing is and definitions of related terms
    • Distinguishing characteristics of consumer cloud computing and enterprise cloud computing
    • Examples of consumer cloud services and how to evaluate them
  • Week 2: Enterprise Cloud Computing and Pros and Cons
    • Examples of enterprise cloud computing services
    • Benefits and drawbacks of enterprise cloud computing services
    • Evaluation criteria for selecting an enterprise cloud computing service
  • Week 3: How Libraries are Using Cloud Services Today
    • The potential role of cloud computing to serve library needs
    • Specific examples of how libraries are currently using cloud services
  • Week 4: Environmental Trends in Cloud Computing for Libraries
    • Current trends in cloud computing and results from a recent survey
    • Resources for continued learning

Time required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2½ hours per week, for a total of 10 course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments, discussions, and online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Any library staff who want to learn more about cloud computing and its implications for libraries. The course will be particularly valuable to staff responsible for IT or for making decisions about cloud computing services for their libraries.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at:
infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

Payment: Your invoice will be emailed to the email address of the person who completed the registration. If that is not the person paying the invoice please forward invoice to the appropriate person. Payment is due within 30 days. If you have any questions about your invoice or payment please contact Gini Ambrosino at assist@infopeople.org.

Course Start: This four-week-long online learning course starts on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

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