The Adoption of Cloud Computing Technology for Library Services in the National Open University of Nigeria Library

Abstract

The study investigated the rationales for the adoption of cloud computing technology for library services in NOUN Library. Issues related to the existing computer network available in NOUN library such as LAN, WAN, rationales for the adoption of cloud computing in NOUN library such as the need to disclose their collections on the web, simplifying work flow and to meet the information need of large number of student spread all over the country, Objectives of this study include among others identifying how NOUN library provides its information services and access to its students who are spread across the nation. Two research questions were raised, among which are: the existing computer network available in NOUN library and the rationales for the adoption of cloud computing in NOUN library. Qualitative research method was adopted; Focused group method, NOUN University Librarian and four IT staff were used as sample size of the study. Guided interview constituted the instrument for data collection, while descriptive method was used to analyze the data collected. The finding revealed that LAN, WAN, CAN, Internet and Network were the existing computer networks in NOUN library another finding of the study shows that NOUN library use cloud computing to provide library and information services to its students who are spread across the country where access to information must not be location specific. NOUN Library should adjust the usage and cost of its IT services in an efficient way. NOUN library can experience cost reduction and flexibility of cost management.