Inclusive Description Task Force

Owned by Christina Hennessey
Last updated: Jun 10, 2024 by Allison Bailund (Unlicensed)
3 min read

 

Charge

The Inclusive Description Task force evaluates problematic and offensive LCSH, and may work in coordination with the Norm Rules Joint Task Force to create CSU wide solutions for these headings.  This task force expands on the work that was done with the LCSH heading “Illegal Aliens”, examining other headings and proposing CSU-wide solutions wherever possible.  

In addition, this task force may work with the CSU SACO funnel.  Subject Headings for the task force will be identified via suggestions as well as by existing resources, such as the Problem LCSH list on Cataloging Lab: https://cataloginglab.org/problem-lcsh/ .

Statement on Inclusive Description

The California State University libraries aim to describe and present library materials in a manner that is respectful and representative of our diverse user population. We acknowledge that activities surrounding the creation and management of metadata are not neutral. We recognize that our metadata standards were built upon colonialist ideals that have traditionally upheld and conformed to the values of white supremacy and the marginalization of ethnic minorities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We realize that the continued use of inaccurate and inappropriate language will cause harm and perpetuate bias within our systems and are dedicated to remediation where appropriate and feasible. While we will continue to work within the parameters set by both national standards and organizations, we pledge to make resource description inclusive by:

  1. Identifying areas of bias in our cataloging and engaging in conversation with our library and campus communities;

  2. Collaborating with members of the CSU SACO Funnel Project to propose changes and additions to LCSH, LCDGT, LCGFT, and LCC that promote more inclusive and accurate descriptors;

  3. Collaborating with members of the Primo VE Norm Rules Task Force to transform the display of problematic headings when a proposal is either not viable or has been rejected;

  4. Exploring the use of more inclusive alternative vocabularies such as the Homosaurus;

  5. Educating users that some descriptions used for archival materials may be considered offensive because of historical language and content that reflect the time when the material was created and the view of the creator;

  6. Acknowledging that description is a continuous and necessarily iterative endeavor.

Remediating Harmful Language

If you encounter language in the CSU Libraries catalog records that you find offensive or harmful we welcome your feedback via the following form: CSU Libraries Offensive or Outdated Language in Descriptive Resources

 

Adapted from:

Library and Archives Canada

University of Virginia

Duke University 

Current Projects

For more about the projects the Task Force is working on, see Inclusive Description Work

Group Members

  • @Allison Bailund (Unlicensed), San Diego (Chair)

  • Anamika Megwalu, San Jose

  • Julie Moore, Fresno

  • Yoko Okunishi, Dominguez Hills

  • Kathleen Boyd, San Diego

  • Estella Inda, San Jose

  • Jen Mitchell, Fullerton

  • Kyle Tanaka, Cal Poly SLO

  • Kate Steffens, San Jose

Selected list of alternate vocabularies: 

Additional resources and further reading: 

Running Meeting notes