Library in the clouds

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the issue of cloud computing and how it relates to digital library service provisioning. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopts a viewpoint approach. Findings - The paper is exploratory, and looks at the pros and cons of cloud computing for digital libraries. Practical implications - The subject of cloud computing has been a hot topic for the past year or so. There are many implications regarding this for service provisioning for libraries. Several issues involving cloud computing are explored, and the advantages and disadvantages concerning this technology need to be seriously considered by digital library technology professionals. Originality/value - The paper explores the issue of cloud computing technology, its relation to current internet business practices and the implications for providing library services over the next five years. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.