Details of the Actions Towards More Inclusive Metadata

*Last updated in February 2024.

Examination of Legacy Cataloguing Practices

Action Status
Western Libraries Indigenous Collections Metadata Inventory
Collecting and analyzing subject headings to create an inventory of terminology that needs to be critically examined.		 2018-2019
Focused reflections through Decolonizing Description Learning Series (2020-2021)
Critical self-reflection of the cataloguing practice of subject analysis; consultation with Indigenous authored language inclusivity guides		 Ongoing. 2020-
Participation in OCUL’s Decolonizing Description Working Group 2021-2022
We add a statement of acknowledgement to the bibliographic record when we are unsure of how to correct harmful language using controlled vocabulary or if there is harmful language in other descriptive areas of the record. These tags are to be regularly reviewed to determine what alternative heading to use. Example of this statement Ongoing. 2022-
Staying informed in advancements to NIKLA’s Respectful Terminology Project.
Active participation where possible (following the recommendations that come from this project, attending membership meetings, volunteer opportunities)		 Ongoing. 2022-
Western Libraries contributed one-time seed funding to NIKLA’s Respectful Terminology Project. 2023
Participation in OCUL’s Decolonizing Description Implementation Working Group Ongoing 2023-

Classification

Action Status
In 2022, Western Libraries began work to remediate our use of the N/O cutter. This work has now been completed on all items except those in off-site storage, which will be updated as they are requested for use. 2022-2024
Western Libraries is working on an assessment of our use of the E classification schedule to organize materials authored by Indigenous persons or with a topical aboutness related to Indigenous Peoples. 2024-

Adjustments to the Subject Headings Used at Western Libraries

"Indians of North America" (LCSH)

Action Status
Retroactive changes:
Suppression of this subject heading and replacement with alternate display term "Indigenous Peoples"; the display term is added locally for indexing and search capability, suppressed term remains in the bibliographic record.
*Temporary actions while we wait for guidance from Indigenous leadership		 Ongoing. 2021-

Subject Headings we use going forward:
More specificity, a combination of subject headings from Library of Congress (LCSH – Represented by 650_0) and Library and Archives Canada (CSH – represented by 650_5)

650 _5 $$a First Nations$$zCanada
*Cannot be used without the geographic subdivision

650_0 $$a Métis$$zNorth America

650 _0 $$a Inuit$$zNorth America

If unable to determine whether the material is by or about First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, then use the broad term.

650 _0 $$a Indigenous peoples
651 _0 $$a North America
*Indigenous peoples will display in Omni as Indigenous Peoples

It is encouraged to add a primary subject heading that is even more specific in addition to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit when possible.

To remove the qualifier 'Indian' from these terms, LCSH can be adjusted and coded as CSH (650_5). CSH recommends that when the word Indian is included in the subjects or names for groups of people, that it be replaced with the word people.
e.g., LCSH Cree Indians becomes CSH Cree people.

 Ongoing. June 2022 -

"Eskimos" (LCSH)

Action Status
Retroactive changes:
Suppression of this subject heading with alternate display term “Inuit”; the display term is added locally for indexing and search capability.		 Ongoing. 2021-
Subject Headings we use going forward:
650_0 $$a Inuit		 Ongoing. June 2022-

"Indiens d'Amérique" (RVM - Répertoire de vedettes-matière)

Action Status
Retroactive changes:
Suppression of this subject heading with alternate display term "Autochthones"; the display term is added locally for indexing and search capability.
As of November 2023, this work is no longer needed because RVM - Répertoire de vedettes-matière has now updated their terminology. Learn more.		 2021-2023