This list of potential critical cataloging projects is based on a 2023 presentation titled “Inclusive Cataloging: Maintaining Your Momentum.” While critical cataloging should be considered more than just a finite list of actions with a checklist mindset, these actions taken by libraries and archives around the world can provide you with ideas for your next steps. Additions are welcome!
- Implement local vocabs like Homosaurus or Zine Subject Thesaurus
- Examining whiteness in descriptions
- In archival description, referring to people as settlers or colonists
- In bibliographic summaries, looking for language like “genius,” “expert,” “prestigious”
- Researching and adding information about women (“the Mrs. project“)
- Review cutters on books relating to African American and Asian history (“the N4 project“)
- Looking for problematic terminology
- Check out the Cataloging Lab list of problem headings and add your own
- Replacing or adding alternate terms
- Providing content advisories/creating notes on catalog records that advise of offensive terminology or content
- Researching headings relating to Indigenous groups in your area
- Creating controlled vocabularies if there is not one established in your state/region in partnership with Indigenous peoples (see Indigenous authority work best practices for more information)
- Joining or creating a SACO Funnel
- Creating a statement on bias in metadata
- Check out the Cataloging Lab list of statements on bias in library and archives description for inspiration
- Creating in-house training for asking for changes from vendors & LC/Dewey
- Creating an Inclusive Metadata Policy
- making it library and/or department policy to use inclusive terminology
- Regular cultural humility trainings
- Creating blog posts or news articles for patrons and/or staff about the work being done
- Writing articles/case studies about what you’ve tried and what has worked
- Making complaints about bad systems
- Actually submit feedback to OCLC, LC, or vendors
- Creating bibliographies or reading groups
- Creating space for discussion within department or with other catalogers
- Creating instructions or resource guides for other libraries with information about revisions you’ve made to your catalog