On Cataloging Ethics

Abstract

Catalogers bear a special responsibility when developing resource description. Information included or excluded affects access. Chosen subject headings can make or break a patron's ability to find a resource. Additionally, it is well-known in library circles that our classification schemes and controlled vocabularies are flawed in outdated language and biases. This session will be an overview on the importance of ethics in cataloging, the current state of ethical cataloging and the work being done by the Cataloging Ethics Steering Committee, and ideas for potential solutions to implement in our bibliographic data both globally and locally.