LCSH Changes in MAIN (xls)
The MAIN (Manitoba Archival Information Network) - LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings) Working Group was established by the Association for Manitoba Archives (AMA) Board of Directors in 2013. The purpose of the Working Group is threefold: Devise and implement a strategy to replace LCSH terms in MAIN that are considered culturally insensitive, specifically those terms pertaining to Manitoba's Indigenous Peoples, with terms that more accurately reflect the identity of Manitoba's Indigenous Peoples; ensure that the AMA does not perpetuate the culturally insensitive legacy of these LCSH terms via the descriptions in MAIN; and ensure that the archival descriptions in MAIN remain highly searchable and discoverable by using standardized subject terminology.
Over the course of two years, the Working Group has reviewed similar Indigenous subject heading initiatives underway in Canada (e.g. Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Xwi7xwa Library) while developing their own distinct subject authority list that simultaneously is more respectful of Manitoba's Indigenous Peoples but still adheres to the structure and format of LCSH allowing for the discoverability of Manitoba's archival records by and about its Indigenous Peoples via the MAIN database. Throughout this process, Manitoba's Indigenous community has been consulted, not only through representation on the Working Group, but also through the solicitation of feedback at various points in the development of the Group's work. Indigenous archivists and librarians, not only in Canada but from around the world, have also been consulted throughout this process.
This spreadsheet represents the final draft of the Working Group's listing of subject headings for intended import into MAIN. The tab labeled "1. Add" consists of subject headings that will be added to the existing LCSH subject headings in MAIN. The tab labeled "2. Change or Delete" consists of the subject headings that are to be either deleted or changed to an alternate term within the existing LCSH subject headings in MAIN. The tab labeled "3. Guidelines" consists of a number of guidelines established by the Working Group to aid archivists in the proper application of the subject headings to their descriptions. The tab labeled "4. Bibliography" consists of a list of the works consulted by the Working Group in the development of their subject authority list.
