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A Path for Moving Forward with Local Changes to the Library of Congress Subject Heading "Illegal Aliens".

Authors :
George, Kelsey
Grant, Erin
Kellett, Cate
Pettitt, Karl
Source :
Library Resources & Technical Services. Jul2021, Vol. 65 Issue 3, p84-95. 12p.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

In 2014, the Library of Congress (LC) rejected a proposal to change headings in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) that refer to undocumented immigrants as "Illegal aliens." Two years later, a Subject Analysis Committee (SAC) working group submitted recommendations regarding how and why LC should change the LCSH "Illegal aliens."1 That same year, LC decided to cancel the "Illegal aliens" subject heading, which Congress subsequently sought to block.2 Congress eventually required LC "to make publicly available its process for changing or adding subject headings . . . [and use] a process to change or add subject headings that are clearly defined, transparent, and allows input from stakeholders including those in the congressional community."3 In response, LC paused their plan to change "Illegal aliens." In June 2019, a new SAC Working Group on Alternatives to LCSH "Illegal aliens" was convened to survey local institutions implementing changes to the subject heading and to chart a path for librarians to address the subject heading at the organizational level. At the 2020 ALA Annual Conference, the working group presented their report. This paper builds upon that report and details next steps both for the working group and library professionals who plan to implement changes at their own organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00242527
Volume :
65
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Library Resources & Technical Services
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
152526028
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.65n3.84