Alternatives to Google Suite Applications

Abstract

Librarians adopted and utilized web-based Google suite applications as a method of collaborating with each other on projects, research, and professional association membership duties. However, as cybercriminals have begun to exploit these tools to infect healthcare networks with ransomware, many hospital IT departments have blocked access to Google applications. This paper provides a background on security risks to healthcare institutions and possible alternatives to Google applications hospital librarians can use to continue collaborating.

Keywords:

• Google
• hospital libraries
• network security
• ransomware

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle A. Kraft

Michelle A. Kraft, MLS, AHIP, FMLA ([email protected]) is the Library Director of the Cleveland Clinic Floyd D. Loop Alumni Library, 9500 Euclid Ave NA-30, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA.