Use of Cloud Computing Prototypes and Facilities for Library Operations in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the use of cloud computing prototypes and facilities for library operations in federal university libraries in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the types of cloud computing prototypes applied in federal university libraries in Nigeria; and identify the types of cloud-based services subscribed to by the libraries. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 2,900 librarians from 43 federal university libraries in Nigeria, while a sample of 360 respondents, consisting of 354 librarians and 6 heads of ICT units, was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed that the libraries applied Public and Private Cloud Computing models, as well as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Hosting as a Service (HaaS). Community and Hybrid Cloud models were not applied. The study further found widespread utilisation of GSM, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail and Google Docs, while selected libraries adopted C-band, Ka-band, Ku-band and fibre-optic connectivity. The study concluded that cloud computing is increasingly supporting communication, collaboration, information access and library service delivery in federal university libraries. It recommends increased investment in cloud infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, cybersecurity and continuous ICT training for librarians, alongside greater integration of cloud-based resources to support remote and user-centred library services.