Method 3

Method 3


I love the fact that cloud computing makes it possible to access documents, data, services, etc. from any Internet-accessible computer. Those resources are no longer available only on a PC desktop. For projects and collaborative efforts, in particular, being able to work in the cloud really has fundamentally changed the way we handle information. The privacy issue, however, is a very important one. Cloud computing means putting your data in third-party hands. I do think local backups are still critical. And a very good question concerns the fate of your information if the company goes bust.

For libraries, I do believe it is important not to “lock down PCs.” Access to Facebook and MySpace, for example, should not be blocked. The library can serve as a gateway to users’ data, and this can put library resources within the view of our patrons. Librarians do need to teach about the consequences of using cloud tools, though, and let it be known that there are multiple options.