Statement on Harmful Language in Catalogue Records and Resource Descriptions

The University of Lethbridge Library recognizes that our catalogue and resource descriptions contain language that reflects the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which they were created. For resources about persons and groups, this language is often outdated and harmful. These descriptions also incorporate controlled vocabularies developed and managed outside of the University of Lethbridge, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings. These controlled vocabularies can include headings that are offensive or inappropriate due to outdated language use, and recently also due to changes in political climate where the subject headings are developed and managed. For example, the Library of Congress has recently changed subject headings without following established consultation processes or normal protocols for changing geographic names. 

We use international standards for description, but we strive for descriptions that are inclusive, respectful, and do not cause harm by supporting and actively participating in efforts to update and change these practices. We are limited to only being able to mediate records for materials held by the University of Lethbridge. Records we receive from other sources (such as database and journal records) that are integrated into our system may still appear with problematic or harmful language.

We acknowledge the critical importance of community consultation in these efforts, and we welcome your feedback. If you encounter language in University of Lethbridge Library catalogue records or other resource descriptions that you find offensive or harmful, or if you have questions about this statement or our work, please contact us via our online suggestion form. We are committed to reviewing harmful language in catalogue records and other resource descriptions, and updating them as appropriate where feasible.

Acknowledgements

This statement was adapted from those of University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University, and Carleton University.