University Library leads data privacy and e-database fora

Modern technologies have made it possible to easily access or expose anyone’s information, but those whose information are collected, stored, and processed should be informed about it.The University Library’s Research, Training, and Staff Development Committee spearheaded a forum to educate UPLB constituents on data privacy. Entitled “Data privacy & keeping data secure: basics for educators and researchers,” the knowledge sharing event was held on Mar. 26 at the Main Library in BM Gonzalez Hall.Following this forum on the same date and venue was another forum entitled “Library information and beyond.” The first forum aimed to provide awareness on the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). It also informed educators and researchers of their responsibilities as data controllers and processors and their rights as possible data subjects in the future.

Atty. Eleno O. Peralta, director of the Office of Student Affairs, shared his insights about the provisions and structure of the Data Privacy Act, including personal information, especially the sensitive ones, lawful processing of personal data, data protection, rights of data subject, and other issues and scenarios concerning data privacy.

Meanwhile, the second forum updated the participants on the available library databases for literature search.Dr. Benny Ang, research reference consultant of Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Mark Daniel Agnes, business development officer of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, talked about the stepwise approach for efficient and effective literature search. The two recommended practical pieces of advice, tips, techniques, and tools that support literature-searching in electronic library databases.

Present during the fora were Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and University Librarian Concepcion DL. Saul. (Meichelle Ann Jenine S. Rivas)