+44 (0) 1273 386849School Library Service in the Cloud – Smarter, Greener, Stronger
Why cloud-based library systems offer a greener choice
For schools trying to balance budgets, access, and sustainability, moving your library system to the cloud is a straightforward win. Running servers on-site guzzles electricity, racks up IT headaches, and ages badly.
A cloud-based library system consolidates that workload in a professional data centre, where infrastructure is more efficient and increasingly powered by renewable energy.
But let’s be clear: cloud isn’t a free pass. Data centres still use vast amounts of power and water. The real sustainability gain comes from moving away from small, inefficient local servers and choosing providers committed to renewable energy and efficient infrastructure.
In-house OR cloud-hosted library software?
- Better infrastructure
- Higher utilisation rate
- Hardware refresh speed
- Reduced electricity use
- Reduction in climate impact
The environmental edge of cloud-based systems comes from doing more with less: better use of hardware, higher server efficiency, and increasing reliance on renewable energy. According to research by MissionCloud,
Better infrastructure
Data centres are built for efficiency. They’re located near energy sources, designed for scale, and managed to cut waste. A single hyperscale facility can achieve utilisation levels no school could match in-house.Higher utilisation rates
Local servers sit idle much of the time. Cloud servers run multiple workloads at once, using two to four times the capacity of small on-site systems. That means more work gets done per watt of electricity.Hardware efficiency
Cloud providers refresh and upgrade hardware frequently, ensuring they use the most energy-efficient equipment. Schools running older kit can’t compete.Renewable energy use
Major providers such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have made large investments in renewable power for their data centres. Whilst progress varies, the cloud increasingly runs on cleaner energy than your school’s grid mix.
“Customers consume 77% fewer servers, 84% less power and reduce carbon emissions by 88% by using the cloud.”
Mission Cloud
Beyond sustainability: Practical gains for schools
Switching to a cloud-based library service isn’t just greener. It’s also:
Lower cost: No servers to buy, power, or cool.
Always accessible: Pupils and staff can log in from home, school, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Scalable: Storage grows as your collection grows, without new hardware.
Reliable: Built-in back-ups and mirrored servers keep your data safe.
Secure: Providers meet international security standards and run regular updates for you.
“Cloud solutions are more than just a technological advancement; they are a cornerstone of environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.”
Mission Cloud
5 reasons to switch to cloud-hosted library software today
- Quick set-up
- Increased efficiency
- Increased reliability
- Top security (ISO 27001)
- Powerful performance
Building resilient, sustainable library services
Moving your school library system to the cloud is greener than running local servers – but it’s not a silver bullet. The real difference comes from choosing providers with strong renewable commitments and efficient infrastructure, whilst also reducing unnecessary data storage and usage.
In other words: you’ll cut costs, boost reliability, and lower your footprint compared with running servers in-house. For schools looking to deliver modern, sustainable, and accessible library services, the cloud is the smarter choice.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to move your school library system to the cloud.
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