Harnessing Cloud Computing Paradigm for Virtual Library Adoption in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Virtual library facilities in any University improved information services delivery that supports qualitative learning and research in such institution. However, shortage of skilled manpower to manage and maintain existing ICT Infrastructure and erratic power supply to power the ICT equipment are identified as part of the challenges militating against virtual libraries implementation in Nigerian Universities. These have made it complicated for its effective maintenance and required utility throughput. This situation is further worsened by the increasing need for ubiquitous availability of electronic library services to clients as an inherent characteristic of virtual libraries, resulting to prohibitive establishment and operational cost for the tertiary institutions to meet up. This study tends to address the identified problems by harnessing the benefits presented by open source and cloud computing technologies for the development and management of virtual library in Nigerian tertiary institution. The model presented in this study is based on community cloud model that leverage open source platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) model to provision and maintain virtual library services.

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Harnessing Cloud Computing Paradigm for Virtual Library Adoption
in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Abasiama G. Akpan , Mmeah Shedrack , Kings – Wali Chisaa Ndidi
1ORCID ID: 0000 - 0002 - 6980 - 3624
Department of Computer Science & Mathematics,
Evangel University, Akaeze - Nigeria.
Email: abasiama.akpan@evangeluniversity.edu.ng
Phone: +234(0)8034806141
2ORCID ID: 0000 – 00014 – 7936 – 6678
Department of Computer Science,
Ken Saro - Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori – Nigeria
Email: mmeahshedrack@gmail.com
Phone: +234(0)8038672803
3Department of Computer Science,
University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt – Nigeria
Email: chisaaking@yahoo.co.uk
Phone: +234(0)8037077840
Abstract
Virtual library facilities in any University
improved information services delivery that
supports qualitative learning and research
in such institution. However, shortage of
skilled manpower to manage and maintain
existing ICT Infrastructure and erratic
power supply to power the ICT equipment
are identified as part of the challenges
militating against virtual libraries
implementation in Nigerian Universities.
These have made it complicated for its
effective maintenance and required utility
throughput. This situation is further
worsened by the increasing need for
ubiquitous availability of electronic library
services to clients as an inherent
characteristic of virtual libraries, resulting
to prohibitive establishment and operational
cost for the tertiary institutions to meet up.
This study tends to address the identified
problems by harnessing the benefits
presented by open source and cloud
computing technologies for the development
and management of virtual library in
Nigerian tertiary institution. The model
presented in this study is based on
community cloud model that leverage open
source platform as a service (PaaS) and
software as a service (SaaS) model to
provision and maintain virtual library
services.
Keywords: Cloud Computing, SaaS, IaaS,
PaaS, Library professionals.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The emergence of open access, web
technology, and e-publishing has slowly
transformed modern libraries into digital
libraries [3]. With this variety of
technologies utilized, cloud computing and
virtual technology has become an advantage

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for libraries to provide a single library
services. The end of the twentieth century
witnessed modern advancements in
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) that result to an
information age which redefines how
information is stored, organised, managed,
rendered and accessed to serve the
information need of the intended users [1].
This trend has given rise to the concept of
Virtual Library often referred to as
"electronic library," "library without walls"
and "digital library” according to [2]. [4]
defined the term virtual library as: “a
national collection of digitized texts,
distributed among institutions and accessible
from anywhere at any time”. [5] in [1]
defined digital library as “a library in which
collections resources are stored in digital
formats (as opposed to print, microform, or
other media) and accessible by computers.”
[6] states the characteristics of digital and
virtual library as: “access to information
over a network, facilitate immediate and
simultaneous access to information, they are
interactive, i.e. support two ways
communication with the users, they exist in
multimedia format of text, video, graphics,
sound and animation. Above all, it increases
speed and effectiveness in finding
information and to decrease mental effort
put into each search of information in the
net”. An analysis of the definitions and
characteristics of virtual library presented
suggests the deployment of digital library
contents and automated library services over
the internet as a requirement for fully
harnessing its benefits. Cloud computing as
defined by the National Institute of
Standards and

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Fig. 1: Cloud Computing Definition [15]
Technology is a model for enabling
convenient, on-demand network access to a
shared pool of configurable computing
resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage,
applications, and services) that can be
rapidly provisioned and released with
minimal management effort or service
provider interaction. The Gartner Group [7]
in [3] defines cloud computing as “a style of
computing in which massively scalable and
elastic IT-enabled capabilities are delivered
as a service to external customers using
Internet technologies.”Practically cloud
computing is synonymous with
virtualization. Hence, cloud computing is a
fast emerging technology that permits users
to store files, share files and applications on
the Internet. Akpan, A.G. [3], defined cloud
computing as an elastic and scalable utility
model that offers flexible, ubiquitous, on-
demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing resources (for
example, servers, data centers, networks,
applications and services) that can be rapidly
Private
cloud
Hybrid
clouds
Public
cloud
Communit
y cloud
Deployment
models
Software as a
service (Saas)
Platform as a
service (Paas)
Infrastructure as a
service (Iaas)
Service
models
Essential
Characteristics
Common
Characteristics
On Demand Self-Service
Broad Network Access
Resource Pooling
Rapid Elasticity measured
Service
Massive Scale
Homogeneity
Virtualization
Low Cost Software
Resilient Computing
Geographic Distribution
Service Orientation
Advanced Security

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provided and released with limited
interaction of service provider or the
management. It provides shared
infrastructure, self-service, dynamic and
virtualized pay-per-use platforms which put
it on high demand. Cloud computing implies
a level of dynamic, flexible resource sharing
and allocation of assets. According to
Tuncay in [3], library can benefit from using
cloud computing technology by increasing
computing performance, storage capacity,
universal accessibility and cost reduction.
This can help library in terms of fixed and
maintenance cost reduction in the IT
investment of both hardware and software as
well as computer services. With cloud
computing, libraries may prevent financial
waste, better track staff activities, and avert
technological headaches such as computer
viruses, system crashes, and loss of data.
When cloud computing is used in the
library, this will likely have a significant
impact on library services. According to [3],
with cloud computing, it becomes easier to
access data with several devices. Especially
for mobile devices, this can be really useful
since the only thing that is needed is an
internet connection. Libraries are shifting
their services to cloud computing
technology to facilitate its services
anywhere and anytime. In libraries, the
following have been identified as possible
areas of applying cloud computing:
 Building Digital Library/
Repositories
 Searching Library Data
 Web Site Hosting
 Searching Scholarly Content
 File Storage
 Building Community Power and
Library Automation.
Nevertheless, the biggest benefit of the
adoption of cloud computing technology is
that one does not “buy” the cloud as
purchases for software and hardware and
hitherto being made for library automation.
Much like a common utility, one just pays
for what was used, and then turn it off when
one is done. The ability to have a server
somewhere, to not have to worry about it,
turn it up as needed, and pay for only what
is used attracts a lot of people to cloud
deployment. Library community can apply
cloud infrastructure to amplify the power of
cooperation and to build a significant,
unified presence on the Web. This approach
to computing can help libraries save time
and money while simplifying workflows. To
date, the main focus of libraries moving into
the cloud has been due to, the need to
disclose their vast collections [10].
Fig.2: Simplified Structure of the Main Users of IT Services in a Typical
University Now Using the Services of Cloud Computing [3]
SaaS
cloud
Administrative
staff
Developers
Students
Lecturers
Researchers
IaaS
Cloud
PaaS
cloud

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Creeger [9], as cited in Gbaje and Aliyu
[10], asserted that cloud computing comes
into focus when there is need for increased
capacity or added capabilities of computer
without investing in new infrastructure,
training new personnel, or licensing new
software. Many search engines and social
websites are using the concept of cloud
computing like www.amazon.com,
hotmail.com, facebook.com, linkedln.com
etc. Cloud computing offers information
retrieval systems, particularly digital
libraries and search engines, a wide variety
of options for growth and reduction of
maintenance needs and encourages efficient
resource use.
Cloud computing is an extra-large change
that has robbed IT of its traditional
obligations and empowered the end users
with on demand utility computing. Cloud-
based services are set to transform the way
libraries work, unleashing librarians from
the admin burden to focus on services for
students and researchers [11].
Fig. 3: Cloud Computing Architecture [16]
Computation (VM) storage (block)
Infrastructure
Business Applications, Web Services,
Multimedia.
Application
Software Framework
(Java/Python/.Net) Storage
(DB/file)
Platforms
CPU, Memory, Dick, Bandwidth
Hardware
Resources Managed at Each layers
Examples:
Goggle Apps,
Facebook, You Tube,
Saleforce.com
Microsoft Azure,
Goggle AppEngine,
Amazon Simple
DB/53
Amazon EC2,
GoGrid Flexiscale
Data Centers
Software as a
service (saas)
Platform as a
service (Paas)
Platform as a
service (Paas)
Infrastructure as a
service (Iaas)

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Fig.1: Cloud Computing Architecture [16]
2.0 Cloud Computing Initiatives in
Nigerian Libraries
Libraries in Nigerian tertiary institutions as
the heart of the institution they serve,
supporting research and learning, are not left
out in harnessing the opportunities presented
by this trend. [12] reveals the gradual
computerisation of Nigerian libraries in the
universities through commencement of
digitisation and establishment of library
information network with connectivity
through the university campus network to
the Internet. Besides, [13] stating the report
of IT News Africa, revealed the successful
establishment of digital libraries in three (3)
Nigerian Universities by Mobile Telephone
Network (MTN) Nigeria. These Universities
include: the Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, the University of Lagos and the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka. [14] had
earlier revealed the launching of some
Virtual Library Initiatives for Nigerian
Higher Institutions by the Federal
Government of Nigeria. [3] report the
deployment of XLIB Library Management
System in Ozoro Polytechnic Library, an
ongoing Digital Library Project at Oghara
Polytechnic, and the presence of ICT
facilities in Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic
library, all in Delta State However, [1]
identified shortage of skilled manpower to
manage and maintain the required ICT
Infrastructure and erratic power supply as
part of the challenges faced by Virtual
Libraries implementation. These have made
it practically difficult for Virtual Library in
Nigerian Tertiary Institutions to be
effectively maintained and its benefits fully
harnessed. Coupled with the fact that virtual
library is characterised by round the clock
availability, these challenges posed a
prohibitive cost to the libraries as against the
limited available funds.
This study tends to address the identified
problems by harnessing the benefits of open
source software and cloud computing in the
deployment and management of virtual
library in Nigerian tertiary institutions based
on community cloud approach. We
presented a cloud virtual library concept
capable of implementing open source library
management system on an open source
cloud computing platform. Hence, migrating
the cost of deploying, managing and
maintaining the ICT infrastructure involved
in virtual library operation to the cloud
provider (i.e. government agencies). The
only cost incurred by the consumers (i.e.
tertiary institutions) is based on cloud
resources usage or/and cost of deploying and
maintaining the ICT infrastructure
responsible for internet connectivity at their
respective campuses. The rationale for
virtual library implementation on cloud
computing and open source technologies is
also discussed in this work. Examples of
Cloud libraries:
 OCLC
 Library of Congress ( LC)
 Exlibris
 Polaris
 Scribd
 Discovery Service
 Google Docs / Google Scholar
 Worldcat
 Encore

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Fig.4: Cloud Strategy in Higher Education [3
3.0
4.0 Deployment Models
a) Private Cloud: The cloud
infrastructure is provisioned for
exclusive use by a single
organization comprising multiple
consumers (e.g., business units). It
may be owned, managed, and
operated by the organization, a third
party, or some combination of them,
and it may exist on or off premises
[16]. A private cloud offers the
highest degree of control over
performance, reliability and security
[23].
b) Community Cloud: The cloud
infrastructure is provisioned for
exclusive use by a specific
community of consumers from
organizations that have shared
concerns (e.g., mission, security
requirements, policy, and
compliance considerations). It may
be owned, managed, and operated by
one or more of the organizations in
the community, a third party, or
some combination of them, and it
may exist on or off premises [16].
This deployment model forms the
basis of the model presented in this
study, viewing Nigerian University
Libraries as a community with the
same or similar mission, security
requirements, policy and compliance
considerations.
c) Public Cloud: The cloud
infrastructure is provisioned for the
use of the general public. It may be
owned, managed, and operated by a
business, academic, or government
organization, or some combination
of them. It exists on the premises of
the cloud provider. [3]. Public clouds
offer several key benefits to service
consumers, including no initial
capital investment on infrastructure
and shifting of risks to infrastructure
providers.
d) Hybrid Cloud: The cloud
infrastructure is a composition of
two or more distinct cloud
infrastructures (private, community,
or public) that remain unique
entities, but are bound together by
Management
plan
Developing
the knowledge
base about
cloud
computing
Evaluating the
present stage of
the university
Evaluating the
present stage of
the university
Knowledge
database
IT needs
Choosing the
cloud computing
Solution
Pilot
project
Implementation
and management of
the cloud
computing solution
Cloud
computing
solution

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standardized or proprietary
technology that enables data and
application portability (e.g., cloud
bursting for load balancing between
clouds) [3]. Hybrid clouds offer
more flexibility than both public and
private clouds. Specifically, they
provide tighter control and security
over application data compared to
public clouds, while still facilitating
on-demand service expansion and
contraction [3].
4.0 Benefits of Cloud Computing
 Cost Savings: Cloud computing save
cost by providing an economy of
scale from the providers view,
demand view and multi tenancy view
[12]. The cloud provider can increase
the degree of sharing to reduce
operating cost, while the consumers
does not need to use high powered
and a high priced computers to
access the cloud resources.
 Increased Storage: Due to the rapid
elastic nature of cloud computing,
additional storage can be easily
provisioned to support the increasing
consumer’s storage need with
minimal human intervention (i.e
automated). This makes the
consumer feels they have access to
unlimited storage facilities available
on demand.
 Flexibility: Cloud computing
supports organisational agility as
consumers can pool and release
cloud resources at any time to satisfy
their information technological
needs.
 Mobility: Since Cloud computing is
characterised by broad network
access over the Internet, cloud
resources can be accessed anytime
and anywhere. This projects cloud
computing model to be a valid
alternative to implement Bring-
Your-Own-Device (BYOD) in
learning.
 Reduced Time for Implementation:
Cloud computing provides near real-
time automated process for
implementing new IT initiative when
they occur unlike the traditional way
that might take weeks or months to
achieve.
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