13 Questions With: Robyn Biggar

November 12, 2018

Records and FOIPPA Administrator, City of Port Coquitlam

Who inspires you in your career?

This is a very difficult question to answer, because I’m inspired by everyone who is working hard to contribute and improve information governance. Different people have inspired me in different stages of my career. I’m so thankful for them all.

The first job you ever held and at what age and your first position in the library and/or information services field?

My first job was picking berries on the family farm at around 11. It was then that I knew I wanted to work inside, where I could be comfortable and make more than $.35/box picked. My first library position was a volunteer one, at my high school library. My first job working with information systems was with Agriculture Canada, helping to implement a chemical inventory database. At the time, I never knew that I would be working with information as a career!

Why a career in librarianship?

I love learning and reading, I wanted to know everything; however, I was also aware that time was limited in life to learn everything. I realized one day that the next best thing was to be the person who organized the information that experts referred to – this way I get exposure to the ideas and information and not be tied down to any one subject. This desire to learn and know more is also tied to how information is accessible and truthful, so working in information governance allows me to work with policies and procedures to ensure information integrity and accessibility (while balancing privacy requirements).

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

I have a sticker that says “Hackers Gonna Hack” from IAPP that I think is just the cutest.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Black coffee – I know it’s bad for me, but tastes so good.

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

Do and learn as much as you can when you are able. This is such a broad field, but you are expected to be the expert: get a variety of experience, work with different people, become self-aware, etc.

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

I can make a pig snorting sound with my throat – a skill I inherited from my mother.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

When I got my current job – it is the cumulative effect of having worked hard, taken risks, and built a resume/character that was entrusted with organizing a City’s information and protecting its privacy. It means a lot.

If you had 24 hours all to yourself, how would you best like to spend it

In a cabin with a fireplace on the sunshine coast with water view with my books.

If you didn’t work in the information industry, what would you be doing?

Being a theoretical physicist – but I’d also have to have the mind for it in this alternate universe!

Finish this sentence: “In high school, I would have been voted the person most likely to … “

“Read the most books”.

How do you stay current in your field?

I’m involved in my ARMA chapter and teach in the field on the side. This keeps me active in the community and requires that I keep current for the membership’s and student’s benefit.

What would you like your headstone to read?

404 Not Found