This week's 23ThingsKS module is on cloud computing...and until I started the unit, I had no idea what cloud computing was. Well, it's a marvel of cyberspace, to say the least! Cloud computing allows users to store material elsewhere/offsite, collaborate on a variety of projects with any size group (just invite them), and get organized with a single calendar that can be accessed from any computer.
No longer will I need to burn the library's summer reading program Power Point presentation on a CD then deliver it to the school district because the file is too large to get by the district's firewall, not mention our own firewall! I can upload it to Google Docs with a click, email the library media coordinator, and she can access it and download it on her end of town.
As I surfed through the various options offered in the realm of cloud computing, I was pleased to see that many are FREE. However, if one is serious about using it for business, there are some fees attached. I thought of a use for online calendars: at our library we plan the weekend rotations far in advance (we're trying a year's forward plan at present). We also keep several weeks of desk schedules for reference coverage on our intranet. The current system for the desk schedules is pretty clunky and requires training. It would be terrific to use Google calendar, which can be embedded on one's website, then grant access to all pertinent staff so they can check the schedule from home. It's not possible with our intranet at present. I mentioned this to the branch manager, and we're going to pursue the matter. I love the immediate benefit of 23ThingsKS!!!
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