Problems and prospects of implementing cloud computing in university libraries: A case study of Banaras Hindu University library system

The paper aims to examine the characteristic elements of various organizational factors to identify whether a favourable climate for implementing and sustaining cloud computing in Banaras Hindu University library system (BHULS) existed.

After reviewing relevant literature on the topic, a list of 20 factors that affected an organization’s adoption to innovation was prepared. A questionnaire was personally administered to the library professionals engaged in BHULS. Respondents were asked to nominate the level of importance of each factor for validation of cloud computing adoption.

Findings of the paper validate the fact that opportune time for the implementation of cloud computing existed in BHULS. Library staff showed high willingness toward the adoption of the cloud computing and were well prepared to grasp the challenges.

The paper establishes the fact that the benefits of cloud computing are inadequate to convince organizations to migrate from the traditional computing paradigm to the cloud. Technological advancement may not transform the cloud into a mainstream technology. To motivate the expansion of cloud computing adoption, emphasis has to be laid upon collaboration between the cloud service providers supplemented by solid cloud legislations which need to be worked out.

Because no empirical study on the cloud computing in conjunction with academic libraries of India has been carried out before, this paper closes this gap and provides guidelines to migrate to cloud environment. Also, it provides the perceptions of library professionals in response to its adoption.