Factors Affecting Utilization of Electronic Security Technologies in University Libraries in Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the factors affecting the utilization of Electronic Security Technologies (ESTs) for protecting library information resources in four Tanzanian university libraries: The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Mzumbe University (MU), and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). The study used a convergent parallel research design. Quantitative data came from a questionnaire administered to a census of 184 library staff; qualitative data came from interviews with 12 key informants (library directors, ICT directors and IT personnel) and from non-participant observation. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively in SPSS version 27, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Respondents perceived ESTs as contributing to the protection of physical and digital resources, notably through theft prevention and control of unauthorized access. However, staff skill gaps, inadequate training, insufficient funds, high maintenance and repair costs, and frequent technical malfunctions or downtime constrained utilization of electronic security technologies. Interviews and observations corroborated these constraints. The findings indicate that having ESTs does not by itself ensure their effective use. The study recommends prioritizing staff training, allocating a dedicated budget, implementing preventive maintenance with reliable vendor support, modernizing ICT infrastructure, and establishing an institutional security policy