Cloud Computing in Libraries: What Would Marshall Breeding Say? by Dami Philipp

by Dami Philipp

During a recent Palomar College LT course, most of my database research hits returned results by the same author: Marshall Breeding.  “Who is this Marshall Breeding person?”, I wondered.  It turns out that Mr. Breeding is to Library Technology as Warren Buffett is to Investing Philosophy (or so it appears).  For this course, I selected two articles by Breeding and published between March and May of this year to review.

In the LT 130 textbook, Using Digital Information Services in the Library Workplace: An Introduction for Support Staff, Marie Keen Shaw says that cloud computing is a storage system used by libraries “for digital collections of remote servers that ensure offsite backup and reliability” (Shaw, 2022). Later, she counsels future LSS staff that “privacy and confidentiality can be breached when technology systems are not secure from threat, sabotage, or attack (Shaw, 2022). Libraries require secure computing systems to protect patron’s personal data, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as for maintaining functional library digital systems (Shaw, 2022). Breeding affirms this counsel in his articles. 

In March, 2025, Breeding began his monthly column by musing, “Not that long ago, libraries seemed universally beloved and supported…Universal goodwill toward libraries can no longer be taken for granted…In this column, I focus on the role of technology to address prevailing concerns” (2025a).  Two months later, he reviewed the “40th edition of the Computes in Libraries conference”, saying, “the usual optimistic view of technology supporting the work and missions of libraries was tempered by the dark clouds of recent events” (2025b). Increasing cuts in federal funding, accompanied by the reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in tandem by increased censorship efforts, “drives interest in finding the right technologies to support the work of libraries” (Breeding, 2025b).

Breeding emphasized the need to strengthen libraries’ cybersecurity measures, as he anticipated that the current “political climate may mean at least an incremental policy of attack” (Breeding, 2025a). He then offered “several technical measures essential for adequate security defenses”, as well as “redoubling efforts to enforce patron privacy” including the following (Breeding, 2025a): 

• Encryption of all communications as well as any sensitive data files

• Two-factor authentication for any form of administrative access to systems and services

• Rapid deployment of security patches for OSs and software applications

• Firewalls configured to deflect any incoming malware transmitted through all communications streams (email, messaging apps, collaboration tools, etc.)

• Limiting any third-party ability to track information accessed through a library (Except when required through valid law enforcement provisions)

• Comprehensive enforcement of all measures to fully encrypt all data and transmissions related to patron activities

• Rigorous protection of data related to physical lending, including thoroughly deleting or anonymizing data after the completion of each transaction

• Comprehensive staff training and awareness regarding computer security

This last measure intrigued me, as it is the bullet point over which I have most control.  My own school district requires mandatory annual training, and employees set aside time in their schedule to complete it. Yet, I hear continuous complaints regarding VPN software, two-factor authentication, and the time for training. I observe others playing their training modules on a speaker, while they focus on completing other work during the training.  Passwords are somehow then never updated on third-party sites.  

It occurs to me that in addition to being advocates for the freedom to read, librarians should also be advocates for the adherence of security measures.  Think of it as a cyber Second Amendment defending the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.

At least, that’s what I think Marshall Breeding might say.

Sources

Breeding, Marshall. (2025a). Forty Years of Computers in Libraries: Cycles of Technology and Progress. Computers in Libraries, 45(4), 24–25.

Breeding, Marshall. (2025b). Tech Strategies Strengthen Libraries Facing Challenging Times. Computers in Libraries, 45(2), 22–23.

Shaw, M. K. (2022). Using digital information services in the library workplace: An introduction for support staff. Rowman & Littlefield.