LIBRARY AND INFORMATION POLICY AND THE CHALLENGES OF DATA PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND SURVEILLANCE IN DIGITAL LIBRARIES

This study investigated library and information policy, data privacy, challenges in the implementation of library policies, and security and surveillance in digital libraries in selected Federal University libraries in Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. The study employed a structured questionnaire, and questionnaires were returned by 287 respondents (95.7%) of the 300 questionnaires distributed, which were used in the analysis. To answer the research questions, descriptive statistics was used, and to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance, regression analysis was used. The results showed that library and information policies meant for addressing data privacy had a positive general perception that they were sufficient. Data privacy practices were also shown to increase users' trust, information-seeking behaviour and intellectual freedom too. But there were institutional, technological and human capacity issues that hindered implementation of the policy. The results also showed that security measures positively enhanced the users' confidence in the digital library services, while excessive security might make some information resources not easily accessible for users. Results of the hypothesis tests showed that policy adequacy, data privacy, implementation, and security and surveillance outcomes had statistically significant associations. It is recommended that digital library governance should be an integrated process that encompasses the development of a strong privacy policy, formation of a capability to implement the policy, security measures, and clear, proportionate surveillance. It advises periodic policy reviews, capacity building for staff, enhanced infrastructure for cybersecurity, transparency in data governance, and the implementation of clear safeguards to reduce the potential for excessive user monitoring.