Many of you are aware of "The Cloud".  Many people think that the "Cloud" is a place where all of your information magically goes - to be stored so that you can access information from anywhere.  In reality, the cloud is a very physical space.  Everyone uses the cloud every day, whether you realize it or not.  When you check your email, you are using the cloud.  In basic terms, when you can get your information from any computer in the world, you are using a form of the cloud.  Some examples of the cloud are email, google docs, Dropbox, Evernote, Itunes, and Mozy.

There are many concerns about using cloud-based technology.  In fact, IT Administrators are now realizing it's not the best place to go.  Some examples why are;

1.            If you don't have internet access, you are in trouble.  When businesses store information on the cloud and the Internet goes down, as we all know it does, then those places have no way to access their information.  This is why external Hard Drives and Backup Tapes are still popular.

2.            The Cloud is less private than we think.  Hackers have found a way to access information on the cloud - as seen with the surge in leaks with celebrities private information.

3.            The police can get information from the companies in charge of cloud-based applications much easier than they can if you had a physical backup (of course, this only applies to illegal activities, but its still worth noting).

4.            Information can be lost easier.  Sometimes glitches happen - and while you think you may have saved information to a cloud-based application - sometimes that information never gets saved.

So the overall question is this:  As a Library, would it be beneficial to use the Cloud?  Yes and no.  It would be beneficial if you wanted to save information such as Patron reports, Images of computers so that you can reinstall a computers system if it goes down, Information for books, and Staff meeting reports - or reports that you have written up.  What I would not use it for is Employee records (private information such as social security numbers and addresses), banking information, and Other items that you would not feel comfortable getting out to the public.

Computers have been around for over 50 years.  They are not going anywhere anytime soon.  Information has remained pretty safe up until newer technology has appeared.  So if you're looking for a guarantee of security, I would stick to external hard drives or back-up tapes.  If the cloud appeals to you, then please just watch what you save in a place where others may have the chance to grab a hold of it.