Availability and Use of Electronic Security Technologies in University Libraries in Tanzania

Abstract

This study assesses the availability and use of Electronic Security Technologies (EST) among university libraries in Tanzania to protect library information resources, using the libraries of the University of Dar es Salaam, Mzumbe University, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and the Institute of Accountancy Arusha as case studies. The study employed a convergent parallel research design and a mixed-methods research approach. It involves a sample of 196 respondents, particularly library staff, library directors, ICT directors, and IT personnel. These respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique and a census method, respectively. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that CCTV cameras, electronic security gates, Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID), fire detection and suppression systems, and digital rights for e-resources are the most common types of electronic security technologies available. Library staff were aware of the availability of these electronic security technologies in their libraries. Despite high awareness among library staff of the availability and use of these ESTs, issues such as poor physical and operational conditions and insufficient training were identified. The study recommends frequent maintenance of ESTs, the procurement and enhancement of modern EST tools to improve the protection of library information resources, and training for library staff on the use of ESTs.