Use of Cloud Computing Technologies for Library Services
Delivery: A Survey of Librarians in University Libraries in Africa
Ishioma Angela Dime
1
, Chukwuma Clement Okeji
2
1. Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa
State. Nigeria. E-mail: ishiangel9@gmail.com, angelisticbabeg@yahoo.com
2. Corresponding author, Department of Library and Information Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,
Igbariam Campus, Igbariam, Nigeria. E-mail: cc.okeji@coou.edu.ng
Article Info
ABSTRACT
Article type:
Research Article
Article history:
Received October 12,
2023
Received in revised
form December 20,
2023
Accepted December
23, 2023
Published online
December 25, 2023
Keywords:
Cloud computing,
Library services,
Librarians,
University libraries,
Africa
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the use of cloud computing
technologies for library services delivery by librarians in university libraries in Africa.
Methods: Online survey method was adopted to collect qualitative data from 315
librarians working in 67 university libraries in English speaking countries in Africa.
Results: The study found that YouTube, Google Drive, OPAC, Google Form, Gmail,
and Google Scholar are the most mentioned Cloud Computing (CC) technologies used
by the librarians in university libraries in Africa. The study also revealed that the
librarians use CC technologies to store and share files, for sharing videos related to
library orientations/other video contents, to collaborate with other librarians for research
projects, to survey users’ level of satisfaction with library services, online document
editing services, and provision of virtual/online reference services. The majority of the
librarians mentioned lack of fund, no security and privacy of data, irregular staff
training and development, and lack of CC knowledge and awareness as challenges
associated with adoption of CC technologies in universities in Africa. Solutions to
security of data threats in the cloud environment are offered in the study.
Conclusion: The findings will contribute by aiding the providers and potential adopters
to devise context specific strategies for the penetration of cloud services and sound
adoption decisions (ADs), respectively. Findings of the study will provide a better
understanding and application of CC to advance the provision of library services to
users of academic libraries in the African continent.
Cite this article: Dime, I. A., & Okeji, C. C. (2023). Use of cloud computing technologies for library services delivery: A
Survey of librarians in university libraries in Africa. (2023). Title of paper. Informology, 2(2), 61-82.
© The Author(s).
Publisher: Informology Center.
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