Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an information access system comprising: a database; at least one data record in the database; a password access control for the database providing access to a record in the database only in response to presentation of a password unique to that record; password record media recording respective ones of the passwords; and, a medium carrier containing each password record medium and securing the password record medium against access, the password record medium being releasable from the carrier only upon destruction of the integrity of the carrier. This system provides a “one-time” access to a record. Once a record has been accessed, a new password, a new record medium and a new medium carrier are produced for the authorized user.