All of this is already freely available on the Web in such public-information databases as

· BirthDatabase.com (http://www.birthdatabase.com)

· US Search.com (http://www.ussearch.com)

· USA People Search (http://www.usa-people-search.com/)

· PeopleFinders.com (http://www.peoplefinders.com/)

· PublicRecordsNOW (http://www.publicrecordsnow.com/)

which Idaho State University regularly uses in its authority work—particularly for theses and dissertations. Any concern with identify theft should begin with these databases, not with vitas submitted by graduate students.

Philip A. Homan, MA, MLS

Associate Professor

Catalog Librarian

Eli M. Oboler Library

Idaho State University

921 South 8th Avenue

Stop 8089

Pocatello, ID 83209-8089

(208) 282-3047 (phone)

(208) 282-5847 (fax)

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From: Program for Cooperative Cataloging [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Miller,Elizabeth
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 11:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCCLIST] Theses name headings and privacy concerns

The discussion about theses name headings brought up a concern for me.  The vitas included in our dissertations and theses typically include the place of birth and detailed date of birth.

We include this information in the 670 when creating name authority records.  I am concerned that a criminal could use this information to steal someone’s identity. 

Has anyone else had this concern?  If so, how did you address it?

Liz Miller

Cataloging Librarian

New Mexico State University Library

MSC 3475

New Mexico State University

P.O. Box 30006

Las Cruces NM  88003-8006

575-646-7490

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