Training Needs of Information Specialists at Saudi Universities Libraries to Achieve Cybersecurity Requirements

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the cybersecurity degree of awareness among information specialists in Saudi university libraries, their required competencies, the vital training needs, and statistically significant differences in cybersecurity awareness among information specialists according to gender, years of experience, and the number of training courses. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method on a sample of male and female university librarians in Saudi libraries. The sample consisted of 200 information specialists from Saudi universities. The questionnaire included six axes: awareness of cybersecurity among information specialists, cybersecurity systems and methods for information professionals in Saudi university libraries, the necessary cybersecurity competencies for information specialists in Saudi universities, the requirements for achieving cybersecurity, and the training needs for information specialists to achieve cybersecurity. A high degree of relative cybersecurity awareness among information specialists at Saudi universities’ libraries was found. Statistically, there were significant differences in gender, years of experience, and training courses.