Enhancing Library Services Delivery in the 21st Century in Africa: The Role of Cloud Technologies (Published)
The impact of technological advancements has been greatly felt in virtually every sphere of human society. Libraries are no exception to this trend and the need for libraries to embrace this change is pertinent to their survival. The new patronage of libraries and information centres are now more techno-savvy than the previous generation of library users. The preference for internet and web-based services has become more evident. Libraries and information centres now compete with rival agencies who provide similar and alternative services which have made users rely more on the alternatives provided by these agencies. With the changing information seeking behaviour of library patrons, libraries must consider alternative options to service delivery. The paper explores cloud services, the types and models, and the roles that cloud computing and technologies can play in enhancing library services in the 21st century. Cloud computing was x-rayed, the roles were discussed at item level, benefits of cloud to libraries, and the implication to libraries and library and information professionals for service delivery.
Keywords: 21st Century., Cloud Technologies, LIS Professionals, Library Services, Service delivery