Method 3 - cloud computing

Hmmm.... cloud computing sounds wonderful, but I do have privacy concerns.

I also have concerns with Library patrons and cloud computing; we work a lot with people who have very low computer/internet comprehension levels. They have desperate problems remembering from week to week how to sign on to their e-mail, how to navigate to their chat or discussion groups, etc...

I can just see me trying to explain that "you are saving this somewhere magical, that really doesn't exist, but it is private, and you'll be able to get to it anywhere, but nobody else will." And then explaining "you have to have yet another account for this".

I don't think I'm ready for Google Apps in the library! As an option for the web-savvy, sure, but NOT for the guy who just needs a half-decent simple resume in 15 minutes.

I DO think that cloud apps have REAL potential for the web-savvy person who travels a lot, uses computers in multiple locations, or for the group that co-authors documents. So far, I have used Google Docs in a way similar to a wiki and for editing articles.

I've used online whiteboards for simultaneous brainstorming/editing sessions with friends, and found that to be very fun and effective.(Scrble and Dabbleboard were the two we tried; I think Scrble was slightly our favorite but we found both to be useful). Again, the ability to save and retrieve materials from session to session was very useful.