What a load of cloudwashing

The concept of cloud computing is quite simple on the surface and is already familiar to most of us through web-based services such as Google Docs and flickr. I came across a simple definition on Wikipedia:
"Cloud computing provides computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services...cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption, and delivery model for IT services based on Internet protocols, and it typically involves provisioning of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources. It is a byproduct and consequence of the ease-of-access to remote computing sites provided by the Internet. This may take the form of web-based tools or applications that users can access and use through a web browser as if they were programs installed locally on their own computers."

Easy, right? But dont get too comfortable with that concept just yet, as the real question is how cloud computing will develop and be utilised - the more complex side of the coin involves application of the model to the future of computing both personally and for organisations such as libraries. Having all of our data in the cloud would have rammifications. The benefits of cloud computing for organisations are found in (a) it's economy of scale and (b) it's accessibility - web-based applications/tools can be used across lots of devices including laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc. which allows(please excuse irritating buzz words)the sharing/networking of different types of data. All while cutting down on the amount of work/maintenance/network-building that the organisation has to do. So far so good.
The obvious problem with external management of an organisation's data lies in the security issues inherrent in that model. Which is not to say that it would be necessarily insecure, but it is certainly a key concern. If you have sensitive information on the internet...it ain't safe. The solution probably lies in standardisation between operators and providers and international legislation. I can understand why the computing industry (IBM, Google, Apple,etc.) is racing to stake a claim in the cloud and companies are busy "cloudwashing" their products, but it probably makes sense for most organisations (and individuals) to play the waiting game and see which providers emerge with the best all-in-package and most water-tight security; until standards are set and you will be able to change providers easily, should you wish to. All that... and then maybe I like having a hard-drive:)

Ebooks and iTunes University

Ebooks seem to be the hot topic in the library world for the last few years - virtually every conference I've been to was about the pros and cons of ebooks. The concensus seems to be that they're very much in the works for academic libraries and that they can be extremely useful for academic purposes. There is some debate over whether they're as useful to Humanities scholars as they are for business, science and technology-based disciplines, but I think they can work within any discipline; especially as the technology grows to become more intuitive and functional and as publishers loosen their tight grip on licensing issues.
Within our library, I know the copyright restriction of 5% is offputting for some students, but I think this can help students to be more efficient and focussed in their choice of materials for study. Most of us have at some point been that 1st year who worriedly photocopied large chunks of a dozen books while cramming for exams or assignments, only to throw the unread majority of papers into the recycling bin. Realistically students need to be very selective about the materials they can absorb. In any case they can take notes within an e-book as they read it, and search within it for a particular topic or reference.

I found iTunes University staggering in its potential. I really do believe that learning in the future can and will incorporate many different streams; videos, podcasts, ebooks, print books, online resources etc. It makes perfect sense that a range of learning tools will be utilised to fully engage students. I've often wondered if Brian Cox's Wonders of the Universe is being incorporated into a learning environment somewhere in the world. I've seen dozens of eye-opening documentaries and heard radio programmes that would have both clarified and educated me in ways that classes, lectures and reading lists didn't. As a library we have good reason to be in on the shift towards multimedia educational resources, but a thought that struck me was that you really do need the collaboration of the whole College if you're going to make something as far-reaching as iTunes University work to its full potential. Imagine if every student had a Google reader type place to gather lots of feeds in different formats related to their subjects of study, which they could share with others in their class. I think it would contextualise their subjects by giving them the current news, updates and opportunities that relate to what they're studying, instead of receiving their education in abstract or unsituated chunks...ok I think I'm getting carried away here. I'm off to splash my face with cold water...

Papercut or the Perils of Working in Libraries

Illustration Corner

Sadly one of the world's best (and most painterly) portrait artists Lucian Freud passed away yesterday at the age of 88. See the New York Times obituary here. Illustration Corner is featuring 'Double Portrait' in celebration of his life and work.

Time lapse video

Black Hole Sun - Astronomic Landscape TimeLapse from Christoph Malin on Vimeo.

Alright going slightly off-piste here (although it is a video?) - this will betray two little-known facts about me - (A) I am a Soundgarden fan of years gone by (!), and (B) I love time-lapse footage.
This is a beautiful (8 minute!) Vimeo film of the sky. If Soundgarden make you squeamish you can always mute the sound and bask in the wondrous spectacle of the universe unfolding!
For more nice videos of a similar ilk go to Matador TV (which says it curates the best travel videos) and Joshy Washington offers a selection of "the best Milky Way time lapse videos". Also notable on the Matador TV site is '8 moments in video that changed the world". These clips are astonishing.

I suppose if I was trying to bring this back on track I might suggest a time-lapse video of the library during a busy period, which at the very least would put paid to the notion that librarians sit around reading books;)

Librarians on coffee break

Its an oldie but a goodie - this remains my favourite library-related video/ad. It's a Youtube number. I have come to like Vimeo (I signed up a few weeks ago) but have yet to post any of my own videos to it. Since acquiring an iphone I now have a decent camera, along with an 8mm app which allows you to shoot old-time movies, complete with 20's music and vintage feel, or 70's effects. Vimeo seems to be a more sophisticated tool to Youtube but it has a completely different vibe... I did a quick search for funny library videos and could find nary a one on Vimeo. Everything has to be one's own work, and it seems to be quite community oriented. Tons of lovely documentary type stuff and alot less of the most stupid commentary on the net (you know who you are, Youtube commenters!! desist! )...

Secret bookshop in New York City

There's No Place Like Here: Brazenhead Books from Etsy on Vimeo.

Mmmm...books that smell like pipe-smoke, I love it! This short video is truly beautiful. For more great stuff see the Openculture website.