Embracing the shift to cloud computing: knowledge and skills for systems librarians

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of cloud computing and its increasing impact on systems librarianship, and to propose strategies for systems librarians as they embrace the shift to cloud computing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes various forms, including needs assessment, literature review, impact analysis, environmental scanning and strategic planning.

Findings

Cloud computing has a great impact on systems librarianship. There is not enough evidence to prove that such environmental changes will likely obviate the need for systems librarians in the near future. Systems librarians must upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the new demands of the change.

Originality/value

At the time of this literature review, few publications were dedicated to the discussion of cloud computing and systems librarianship. This article is intended to fill the gap of the literature in this area.

Citation

Liu, W. and Cai, H.(H). (2013), "Embracing the shift to cloud computing: knowledge and skills for systems librarians", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650751311294528