Extend your EDI practices from building your collections to implementing equity-centered cataloging systems. 

Course Description 

While the current, standard classification systems have their benefits, they also often create unnecessary confusion and barriers to equitable access to resources. During this course, you’ll learn how to conduct an equity audit of your cataloging system and learn practical strategies for how to ensure your collections are organized with all people in mind. 

This process can be daunting, but you’re not alone! This course will provide guidance no matter the type of library you work in or the current cataloging system you use. You’ll learn tangible takeaways such as how to make the case for inclusive cataloging to your leadership and how to involve your community. You will leave this half-day intensive with new ideas and strategies for making sustainable change at your library. 

Our transformational online courses have given thousands of librarians the tools and vision for meaningful change. The live session is on Wednesday, November 15, from 12:00-4:00 pm ET (recorded for on-demand viewing). Don’t miss this opportunity!

Learning Outcomes

After you attend this interactive online course and workshop, you’ll be able to:

• Understand and utilize inclusive metadata practices and initiatives 

• Possess the tools and plan for a cataloging equity audit

• Define your goals and construct the type of equity project you have the capacity to undertake

• Plan strategically for short- and long-term inclusive cataloging

• Educate your community and patrons on your updated system

• Incorporate and streamline your updates with vendors 

• Employ tools that support the longevity and sustainability of this process

Who should take this course

This course is geared toward public and academic cataloging librarians and any librarian who wants to address DEI in cataloging. If you need help strategizing and creating a plan to update your cataloging system, or would like ongoing support and feedback and you endeavor to make changes to your system, this course is for you.

Expected time commitment: 

If you attend or watch the recordings of all live sessions, you'll spend approximately 4 hours on this course. You'll earn 4 hours of PD credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion. 

Live sessions are also available on demand for six months

Can’t make a live session? All guest speaker sessions are recorded and available on demand for six months following the initial broadcast.

Certificate of completion provided 

4 professional development credit hours

For support with online courses, please contact libraryjournal@edmaker.co

Accessibility

All guest speaker sessions feature live captioning and are made available on demand after the initial broadcast. Please email libraryjournal@edmaker.co upon registration if you require any special accommodations and we will make our best efforts to facilitate them.

2023 Course Curriculum Advisor

Rachel K. Fischer, (she, her) Member Services Librarian - Technical Services, Cooperative Computer Services (CCS)

Group Rates

Have a team attend and increase your impact!

Discounted registration fees are available for groups of 3 or more. 

Send us a request for a quote.

By registering for this event you confirm that you have read and agree to our Code of Conduct.

For support with online courses, please contact libraryjournal@edmaker.co.

Half-Day Intensive: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Get the tools and support you need to update your cataloging practices to match your equity efforts 

Session 1 | 12:00-12:40 pm ET 

The Past and Future of Inclusive Cataloging

Who makes decisions about cataloging? And how can you get involved to make change? This session will provide transparency into cataloging systems and processes and shed light on how those processes have led to current ethical concerns. Learn the positives and challenges of current cataloging systems, as well as the potential for change in this foundational session. You will learn why you should consider revamping the way you catalog your collections through an inclusive and culturally responsive lens. You will also learn tangible strategies for advocating for change to your library leaders as well as tips for getting involved in change at a larger, national level. 

Speaker: 

Break | 12:40-12:45 pm ET

Session 2 | 12:45-1:30 pm ET 

Indigenous Cataloging: Centering First Nations Cultures, Communities, Collections

This session will highlight Indigenous cataloging practices. Learn how to start the work of decolonizing the way information is sorted, cataloged, and shared by more accurately representing Indigenous knowledges and cultures. You will leave this session with new ideas about how Indigenous cataloging can serve as a model for inclusive representation and access to knowledge.

Speaker:

Colette Poitras, (she, her), BA, MLIS, Indigenous Public Library Services Advisor, Public Library Services Branch, Municipal Affairs, Government of Alberta

Ashley Edwards, Indigenous Initiatives and Instruction Librarian, Simon Fraser University

Break | 1:30-1:40 pm ET

Session 3 | 1:40-2:20 pm ET

Cataloging with Homosaurus: Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Resources and Discoverability

The Homosaurus is an international linked data vocabulary of LGBTQIA+ terms that supports improved access to LGBTQ resources within cultural institutions. This session will teach you practical ways to ensure your cataloging practices are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people. You will also learn how to use Homosaurus to enhance the discoverability of LGBTQIA+ resources.

Speaker:

Jay L. Colbert, (he, him, his) Library Director at Longy School of Music of Bard College

Break | 2:20-2:25 pm ET

Session 4 | 2:25-3:05 pm ET 

Critical Data: Make the Case for Change in Your Library

This session will balance a combination of theory and practical, hands-on skills needed when thinking about critical cataloging. You will learn about research methods involved in the decision making process as well as tangible tips for creating buy-in with your library leadership. You will leave this session knowing how to present your data and show value in starting to implement inclusive cataloging in your library.

Speaker:

Break | 3:05-3:15 pm ET

Session 5 | 3:15-4:00 pm ET

Tools and Strategies for Auditing and Recataloging Nonfiction

Learn specific and tangible tools for how to audit and recatalog your nonfiction collection in a more equitable way. You’ll leave with a model for this process as well as a clear plan of action that you can adapt to your individual needs.

Speaker:

Meghan O’Keefe, (she, her) Readers' Services Librarian

 

Online Course Preview

A preview of how we build your library skills and bring inspiration to your projects with our online learning experience.

1-Day Intensive Course Format

Inspiring Live Guest Speakers 

Live session with Andrea Blackman and Tasneem Ansariyah Grace	Live Guest Speakers Live, expert speaker sessions with audience Q&A (session recordings available on demand if you can’t join live) Option to join on camera to participate in interactive discussions and activities with course presenters and peers

Online Course Features

Recordings of guest speakers

Recordings Available After The Live Session Real-time guest speakers and conversation via live video stream (with recordings available afterward)

Early Access On Demand Resources

Resources To Support Learning Supporting resources (articles, videos, worksheets) in the online classroom to provide a foundation for your work Access all course content for six months after the course ends Bonus: Register early and get immediate access to archival video recordings from related courses and other bonus content