Privacy Issues in Libraries with Online Services: Attitudes and Concerns of Academic Librarians and University Students in Ghana
Privacy Issues in Libraries with Online Services: Attitudes and Concerns of Academic Librarians and University Students in Ghana
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Date
2020
Authors
Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Avuglah, Bright Kwaku
Tachie-Donkor, Gloria
Baah Yeboah, Eugene
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Publisher
College & Research Libraries
Abstract
This study surveyed librarians’ and students’ attitudes, perceptions, and concerns on
privacy in Ghanaian universities with the aim of seeking a better alignment of their
perspectives in the online library context. The study adapted and applied the instru ment developed by Zimmer that assessed attitudes and practices of librarians in the
United States on privacy rights and protecting patrons’ privacy in the library.1
The
study found that, between librarians and students in Ghanaian universities, there was
a need for greater control over their personal data and a need for ethical responsibil ity on the part of data collecting online library agents; both groups expressed dislike
for state censorship and corporate monopoly over their personal data. However,
despite their positive attitude about the strong role of librarians in guaranteeing
their personal data, a significant number of them demonstrate little faith in librar ians to actualize the protection of their personal data. Finally, privacy attitudes and
concerns of academic librarians were noted to align with those of university students
in Ghana. Among others, it was recommended that Ghanaian academic librarians
integrate privacy education and awareness creation in their universities, emphasizing
the need to make informed online decisions and exposing potential repercussions
of their decisions while using online library and digital resources.
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Citation
Avuglah, B. K., Owusu-Ansah, C. M., Tachie-Donkor, G., & Yeboah, E. B. (2020). Privacy issues in libraries with online services: attitudes and concerns of academic librarians and university students in Ghana. College & Research Libraries, 81(6), 997.