The words we use to label and describe people matter. Labels can empower, labels can support, and labels can cause harm. Libraries share systems, standards, and vocabularies. Our shared vocabularies, and the systems in which they are used, can support or harm as our community of users searches for and discovers library resources. When the vocabulary includes harmful terminology, particularly terminology that describes groups of people, users of library search systems are impacted, and whether intentional or unintentional, a message about the library’s values is communicated to our users. This piece reviews the Library of Congress Subject Headings in the Tentative Monthly List 11b (November 12, 2021) and looks for options for change.
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