information security guidelines for ministry of trade, industry and co operative library

Description

The aim of the project is to develop information security guidelines for Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Library to ensure safety of information resources. The objectives of the study were to; examine the types of information resources managed at Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Library, identify the threats to information resources at Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Library, and propose the information security guidelines for Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Library. The study used a case study research design while adopting both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The researcher purposively selected 5 librarians who are responsible with the security of the information materials who participated in the study. Interviews and observations were used to collect the information for the study. The study established that the different information resources in YMCA Library include; text books, magazines, newspapers, reports, journals. The major threats to these information resources were; theft of library materials, vandalism, biological agents (insects), dust and dirty, and non-return of materials. The strategies to improve information security at YMCA Library were; using a CCTV and security personnel, dropping bags at entrance, employing personnel moving around in the library, proper checking of bags and staff going round, security men to main the entrance, installation of book detectors and security alarm, more multiple copies of textbook, photocopy machine, and improved cleanliness in the library. The study concluded that there was a need to develop the guidelines for information security at YMCA to support the librarians in ensuring security for the information resources. the study recommended the staff for YMCA Library to adopt the proposed information security guidelines.