Cybersecurity capacity building in the age of digital libraries: African librarians' perspectives

Iwundu, Nkiruka; Suleman, Hussein

Cybersecurity capacity building in the age of digital libraries: African librarians' perspectives

Journal Article

2026

Journal Title

Digital Library Perspective

Department

Department of Computer Science

Faculty

Faculty of Science

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Abstract

In this era of digital transformation, libraries have evolved from traditional physical repositories of knowledge into dynamic online learning commons. This shift depends on complex, interconnected computer networks that create vulnerabilities and opportunities for cyberattacks. Consequently, libraries have seen a rise in sophisticated cyber threats, raising concerns about data protection, confidentiality, and the integrity of digital content. Strengthening librarians’ cybersecurity capacity is essential, as human factors are key to preventing breaches and supporting resilient digital services. This study adapted the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework to assess African librarians' cybersecurity proficiency and identify existing skill gaps. The study adopted an exploratory research design. 74 librarians from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire aligned with the NICE framework and a semi-structured interview. The findings revealed limited awareness and a significant skills gap among librarians. The study also identified five emerging themes: protection of library assets; patrons’ data and trust; awareness and skills gaps; cybersecurity education and capacity building; institutional and resource barriers; and an indifferent attitude among staff toward cybersecurity. This article is significant because it offers new insights into improving capacity and strengthening information security. It contributes to knowledge by adapting the knowledge manager and database administrator roles in the NICE framework to assess librarians’ cybersecurity skills for digital library services; empirically examining the cybersecurity skill proficiency of African librarians; and identifying critical skill gaps and priority areas for targeted capacity-building and upskilling interventions.