Scrutiny of Public Libraries Uncovers Discrepancies
In a thorough investigation, Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has uncovered serious shortcomings in the city’s public libraries’ handling of sensitive books that were removed from shelves due to political concerns.
Discrepancies and Misinformation
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has identified several issues, including:
- Discrepancies between the records of withdrawn books and the actual number of books removed;
- Incomplete or inaccurate entries in library catalogs regarding the status of removed books;
- Lack of clarity and guidance for staff on the removal and disposal processes.
Concerns over Transparency and Accountability
These findings have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the library system. The PCPD has urged the government to address the highlighted inadequacies and improve its procedures to ensure public trust.
Recommendations for Improvement
The PCPD has issued a set of recommendations to enhance the handling of sensitive books and public access to information. These include:
- Establishing clear and detailed policies on the removal, disposal, and cataloging of books;
- Providing proper training for library staff on these policies and ensuring adherence;
- Improving communication and transparency regarding removed books, including regular public updates.
Call for Public Trust
The PCPD’s findings and recommendations have garnered public attention and sparked a discussion about the importance of access to information in Hong Kong. The city’s public libraries play a crucial role in providing knowledge and fostering critical thinking, and it is essential for their collections to remain comprehensive and accessible.
By addressing the identified inadequacies, the government can restore public trust in the library system and ensure its continued relevance as a source of information and enlightenment for the people of Hong Kong.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
