PRIVACY POLICIES AND DATA PROTECTION PRACTICES AS DETERMINANTS OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS’ EFFECTIVE USE OF KASHIM IBRAHIM LIBRARY (KIL) WEBSITE, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital library services has heightened concerns about user privacy and data

protection. This study examines the privacy policies and data protection practices of the Kashim Ibrahim

Library (KIL) website and their influence on postgraduate students’ trust and effective use. Employing a

descriptive survey research design, the total postgraduate student population is 2,410. A representative

sample of 346 postgraduate students was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula, a structured

questionnaire was used. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version 28.

Findings reveal that while a majority of respondents are aware of the KIL privacy policy, only a moderate

proportion find it easy to locate and understand, highlighting gaps in transparency and accessibility. Data

protection was identified as the strongest predictor of effective website use, with trust also playing a

significant role. The study recommends that the KIL website enhance policy visibility, simplify privacy

documentation, and implement robust technical safeguards to strengthen trust and optimize user

engagement.