York University Libraries (YUL) hold a broad range of items in our collections. YUL acknowledges that the content of some library materials in our collection and the metadata in the YUL library catalogue (OMNI) may be offensive or problematic. Please see the Challenged Materials Policy for more information on how YUL seek to balance intellectual freedom and problematic materials.
Descriptions of library collections are historical in nature and may contain language or depictions of people representative of the time in which the descriptions were created. These descriptions may include problematic wording, cultural references, and stereotypes that are not considered appropriate today. YUL are dedicated to describing people, groups and cultural representations respectfully. To ensure these attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the historical record, to enhance discoverability of these materials, and to preserve and accurately present historical materials, we acknowledge the necessity of historic terminologies in tandem with today's user discovery needs. These collection descriptions (or metadata), which include but are not limited to catalogue records and databases use standardized metadata that reflect the biases and norms of the time in which the items and/or descriptions were created. YUL acknowledge that the national and international metadata standards that the libraries use to describe and categorize materials are slow to change, and do not reflect York University’s commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) (Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028).
YUL are committed to examining and remediating problematic metadata practices for items over which we have control, while preserving the integrity of the historical record. YUL is taking the following actions to support this commitment:
- Reviewing, acknowledging, and responding to all feedback we receive regarding problematic metadata. Feedback may be provided to [[insert email address of the department who handles this feedback]].
- Advocating for Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) in national and international metadata standards and support the use of alternative vocabularies in local and national metadata descriptions.
- Engaging in ongoing discussions dedicated to examining our legacy metadata practices and adjusting where possible.
- Participating in larger initiatives of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) to decolonize descriptive practices across all partner institutions, including York University Libraries.
Maintaining updated and accurate description of materials is an ongoing process. If you encounter language that you find offensive or problematic in our catalogue records or elsewhere, or if you have questions about our metadata work, we welcome your feedback. Please email yulcataloguing@yorku.ca
Published on May 2, 2025