Feasibility Study of Cloud Computing in Academic Libraries: a Case Study of Mashhad Universities

Cloud computing is a new technology that can help libraries and information centers to meet the information needs of users at a lower cost and faster time. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing cloud computing in libraries of Mashhad universities.

This study was applied in terms of purpose with a survey method. The study population consisted of 23 technology managers and administrators of the libraries of Mashhad universities. Required data were collected by two researchers-made questionnaires their validity was confirmed by experts and their reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

The findings showed that the feasibility of implementing cloud computing in central libraries of Mashhad universities was lower than the average in terms of budget and staff, but higher than the average in hardware and software and management facilities.

Cloud computing is a new topic that has received less attention by researchers and libraries. Libraries should take advantage of this technology by providing the right infrastructure.