Bring your Own Device’ Policy in libraries: Benefits and Risks in its application

Abstract

The research analyze the benefits and risks associated with ‘Bring Your Own Devise’ (BYOD) to libraries and propose an effective way of adopting BYOD that can maximize the benefits and reduce/mitigate the risks associated with it. Thus, survey research using interview was conducted using data from both secondary and primary research. From the research it was found BYOD provides substantial benefits to the organization such as cost savings, flexibility, enhanced productivity and efficiency, satisfaction to employees. But it also enhances security risks, poses data ownership problems, virus, increase regulatory issues, increase threat of data theft and leakage to unauthorized personnel. These risks were negating the costs benefits of BYOD. Considering these findings the research has recommended certain countermeasures and policies that can minimize and mitigate the risks, address the problems of BYOD and make it more effective to the organization. Implementing these recommendations the organization can introduce BYOD with minimum risks but can derive maximum benefits because BYOD trend is increasing and it can no longer delay its introduction.