[DCRM-L] statements on harmful language or catalog remediation

[Ryan Hildebrand]

Hi Francis,

At UO we selectively add the following statement in catalog records (590) and finding aids.

"The University of Oregon Libraries Special Collections and University Archives serves as a historical repository of materials, some of which may be considered prejudiced, stereotyped or offensive. Historical data is an important resource in the study of contemporary and past cultures. As such, we take our responsibilities in preserving and cataloging such material seriously and provide access for the purpose of scholarly research and study."

-Ryan


Ryan Hildebrand
Authorities & Special Collections Cataloging Librarian
University of Oregon Libraries
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-1299
(541) 346-1844



From: DCRM-L <dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu> On Behalf Of Lapka, Francis
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 10:42 AM
To: 'dcrm-l at lib.byu.edu' <dcrm-l at lib.byu.edu>
Subject: [DCRM-L] statements on harmful language or catalog remediation

A colleague has brought my attention to this admirable statement on cataloging<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/clarklibrary.ucla.edu/research/statementoncataloging/__;!!C5qS4YX3!SQhB9sLdUkZfTaTCG9YprF3sWhobXaARDG_m66ukWZFaZsR_5pvA-pI3w10DEIFP$> at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. I believe this is the central idea (but I encourage folks to read the entirety):

The Clark Library is revising our cataloging practices, checking records for accuracy and to eliminate, whenever possible, language that is biased or racist. We are updating metadata especially in instances when the historical narrative needs to be challenged or when greater social context needs to be included.

I believe a lot of institution are drafting similar language. At Yale, we have (so far) a Statement on Harmful Language in Archival Description<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/guides.library.yale.edu/specialcollections/statementondescription__;!!C5qS4YX3!SQhB9sLdUkZfTaTCG9YprF3sWhobXaARDG_m66ukWZFaZsR_5pvA-pI3w5jX-z0J$>, which includes mention of our efforts in reparative work.

In light of statements such as this, I wonder:


  1.  Has anyone undertaken a statement that acknowledges the difficulty presented by harmful language in transcribed fields, especially in historical special collections material?



  1.  The statements that I've encountered so far all exist outside of the catalog proper. Are there any such statements within a catalog interface, e.g. in a footer or other boilerplate? Has anyone considered adding explanatory statements directly to a catalog record that has particularly harmful language (presumably transcribed)?


Francis


Francis Lapka
Senior Catalogue Librarian
Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts
Yale Center for British Art
203-432-9672  *  francis.lapka at yale.edu<mailto:francis.lapka at yale.edu>


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