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Michigan State University

Harmful Language in Library Resource Descriptions

History and context to accompany MSU Libraries' Statement of Harmful Language in the Catalog.

Charge

Harmful Language Remediation Advisory Group

Our catalog records and other resource descriptions may contain outdated, offensive, or inaccurate language. We call this, collectively, harmful language.

The purpose of the Harmful Language Remediation Advisory Group is to provide a library-wide perspective on projects to correct these issues. The hands-on work is performed by staff who are trained in the specific tasks involved: editing catalog records, re-labeling books, etc.

The Advisory Group will identify, assess, and respond to concerns about harmful language issues in the Library’s descriptive metadata. The Associate Dean for Engagement and Organizational Excellence will act as liaison between the advisory group and the library’s Executive Council.

The Advisory Group’s activities include:

  1. Engaging with harmful language issues in libraries and archives, including focused readings and professional development opportunities;
  2. Brainstorming and developing proposals for harmful language remediation in Library repositories and catalog, drawing on input from the Library, campus and community as appropriate;
  3. Where suitable, advising units in the library and on campus on policies and practice to address harmful language when encountered in standard description;
  4. Engage Dean of Libraries, Executive Council and implicated units on budget needs for proposed projects;
  5. Maintaining Advisory Group LibGuide of contextual information and project outcomes;
  6. Receiving inquiries and comments from the general public related to potentially harmful language in the Library’s metadata.

Membership

Membership will include standing and rotating members. Standing members:

  • Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services (Technical Services)
  • Head of Metadata Management (Technical Services)
  • Metadata Librarian (Digital Initiatives)

Rotating members will include representatives of:

  • Cataloging & Metadata Services
  • Special Collections, University Archives & Historical Collections (UAHC)
  • MSUL Diversity Advisory Committee
  • The general library faculty and staff (At-large member)

The Associate Dean for Engagement and Organizational Excellence will attend in an advisory capacity and as liaison between the advisory group and the library’s Executive Council.

Terms for rotating members will be 2 years, alternating as follows:

  • Rotating in even years: Special Collections, CMS, Diversity Committee
  • Rotating in odd years: UAHC, At-large member

Terms run on the calendar for faculty committees established in the Librarian Bylaws, beginning and ending August 15 of each year.

The Working Group will meet in January, March, May, September and November. Extra meetings may occur as needed.