Cyber Threats to Libraries and the Implications for the Actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The article explored cyber threats to libraries and what they imply for the actualisation of the United Nations’ sustainability agenda. To achieve this, the article examined how information acts as the connector between libraries and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It examined the possible causes of cyber threats to libraries and the implications for SDGs. It investigated measures required to address cyber threats in libraries for the realisation of SDGs. A qualitative narrative review approach was adopted to collect and analyse literature from two major databases (EBSCOhost and ProQuest), complemented by Google Scholar. The findings revealed that libraries provide access to information which is a significant factor in actualising significant targets within the development framework. The findings also revealed possible causes of cyber threats to libraries. Cyber literacy, advocacy, the development/adoption of a cybersecurity policy, and adherence to cybersecurity measures were identified as ways of addressing cyber threats in libraries that threaten the actualisation of SDGs. The article reinforced the need for concerted efforts towards curtailing the menace of cyber-attacks in libraries for sustained information access and the realisation of the SDGs.