دور الحوسبة السحابية في تطوير خدمات المعلومات في المكتبات الأكاديمية : دراسة مقارنة

Abstract EN

The research investigated Cloud Computing and its role in the development of information services in academic libraries, through recognizing: the actual use of Cloud Computing applications; the impact on the development of the library services provided; the advantages of using these applications; and the challenges that drive Cloud Computing technologies in these libraries.

The research covered several universities: the Central Library of Cairo University, the libraries of Kuwait University (KU), the libraries of the University of North Texas (UNT).

The research used a descriptive analytical methodology to identify the characteristics of library managers.

The aim was to determine the impact of Cloud Computing applications uses in libraries’ information services.

The checklist approach was applied as an essential tool for obtaining data of the research in its various aspects.

The study concluded that the most important advantages of using Cloud Computing are providing ample storage space in libraries, primarily academic, due to difficulties faced in providing space to accommodate both traditional and electronic information resources.

It was also found that the most critical challenges facing Cloud Computing in academic libraries are data security, protection of intellectual property rights and fear of data loss.

The research recommended that academic libraries should benefit from programs and applications available in Cloud Computing to develop their information services, making them meet the needs of their information users.