Evaluating the Integration and use of Cloud Computing Technology for University Library Services in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cloud computing is one of the vitamin to technology which makes easier the access of resources in higher education institutions to manage. This study investigated the adoption of cloud computing technology and its application for services provided by university library in Kwara State, Nigeria. The specific aims of the study were to ascertain available cloud computing technologies, investigate their use in university libraries and determine the challenges confronting adoption. The study used a descriptive survey research design and the population comprised of 108 librarians and library officers in eight university libraries in Kwara State. Collection of data was carried out through a previously designed and pretested structured questionnaire which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. These studies show that cloud based technologies including OCLC, WorldCat, Google Docs, Scribd and Duraspace are already at least tentatively available in university libraries across the country as well. The research also demonstrated that cloud computing improves information storage, productivity, operational efficiency and the optimal delivery of library services. On the one hand, restrictions such as weak Internet connectivity and power supply are considerably limiting factors for the successful deployment of cloud computing technologies. The findings of the study leads to a conclusion that cloud computing has become an important driver for modernizing university library services and, more so, if it adds efficiency to best practices in libraries due to increased access opportunities and recommends improved ICT infrastructure electricity supply/increased funding could maximize benefits of cloud computing for libraries.