Security and Privacy in Digital Libraries: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects

Background

Emerging digital technology has paved the way for the creation of digital libraries, which have made it easier for users to access information through digital systems and networks. The digital library is generally designed to perform and serve the same primary functions and tasks as a traditional library. What makes it different, though, is that it consists of data stored in digital form on computerized devices instead of in physical books and journals. In today’s globalized world, data are transmitted across the planet through the Internet, providing easier access to information and education for many people. While this technology provides current opportunities for expanded learning across the globe, there is also a need to ensure that the digital information can be preserved and made available for future generations.

The primary functions performed by libraries include developing and producing information records in print and non-print formats, managing these information records, and distributing information for the use of current and future generations. The role of libraries in facilitating information access has been widely discussed by many researchers (Borgman, 2000; Sturges, 2001; Hamilton & Pors, 2003). The continual evolution of technology and the resulting changes in the interface between users and information changes the librarian’s professional environment and their role. Fifty years ago, a librarian would help patrons find a book through a card catalogue; today, digital librarians use a computer to assist more patrons to simultaneously locate books, audiovisual media and on-line resources.