Privacy practices in academic libraries in Ghana: Insight into three top universities

Abstract

This research contributes to knowledge on privacy practices in academic libraries, by comparing survey data of librarians and their student-patrons in three top Ghanaian public universities. Our research revealed that Ghanaian academic libraries have not been proactive in promoting privacy issues. There is a general lack of awareness among librarians and their student-patrons about library practices, policies and procedures relating to privacy in their institutions. Besides, very little has been done in terms of providing privacy education and communicating the library’s and vendors’ privacy policies to staff and student-patrons. Among others, recommendations were made for library leaders and the library professional association in Ghana to develop toolkits that will facilitate privacy education and privacy advocacy.