A Model Approach to Cloud Implementation on Public Libraries with a focus on West Bengal, India

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of introducing cloud architecture for public library system in areas where library automation is operational on a standalone server. It also proposes a cloud based model library management system to function on an affordable, robust architecture. The paper made an attempt to highlight the present status of library automation and networking among public libraries in West Bengal. It presents functional requirements for a SaaS based (Software as a Service) model. The simulation approach for the model architecture supports the possibility to connect all public libraries across different hierarchical tiers under the public library system of West Bengal. The proposed model will upscale workflow, reduce cost and duplication of work in terms of procurement, cataloguing, classification and creating an union catalogue/ OPAC with the provision of resource sharing. The current study is the first of its kind, proposing a SaaS cloud based model architecture for a huge public library network. It suggests ways to improve public library services and coordination across the network to visually present the holdings of the entire network to the user community via a cost effective infrastructure