Cloud Computing as a Strategy for Preservation of Digital Resources in Academic Libraries in South Africa

Abstract

Academic libraries around the world have been struggling with how to preserve their intellectual output. Of all the preservation challenges facing academic libraries, none is more pressing than developing strategies for digital preservation. The chapter thus aimed at investigating the adoption of cloud computing as a strategy to preserve digital resources in academic libraries. Data collection was largely based on a critical review of literature relating to the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. The findings revealed that although cloud computing has been seen as one of suitable preservation strategies by many institutions, the level of its adoption is low in academic libraries in South Africa, especially in the area of preservation of digital resources. Several recommendations were also made, and among others were the enactment of preservation policies and improving technology infrastructure. The study further proposed a roadmap that will serve as a guide in the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries.