Using the Homosaurus in a Public Library Consortium: A Case Study

Authors

  • Rachel K. Fischer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.67n1.4

Abstract

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) on LGBTQIA+ topics have not evolved alongside the frequently changing vernacular vocabulary used to access resources on the topics. To rectify this issue, libraries can choose to use an alternative controlled vocabulary, like The Homosaurus: An International LGBTQ+ Linked Data Vocabulary. This case study provides an overview of how Cooperative Computer Services (CCS), a public library consortium in Illinois, made the case to allow the Homosaurus in the CCS catalog, gained approval from the member libraries, and crafted a cataloging manual section. Other libraries can follow the recommendations in this article on how to properly make the case for the approval of a policy to allow an alternative controlled vocabulary in their catalog.

Author Biography

Rachel K. Fischer

Rachel K. Fischer (rfischer@ccslib.org) is the Member Services Librarian for Technical Services at Cooperative Computer Services (CCS). She has an MLIS from Dominican University and an MSM from Minot State University. Rachel has published articles in Public Library Quarterly, Library Hi Tech, Reference and User Services Quarterly, and Library Journal.

Downloads

Published

2023-03-07

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 1 (2023): January

Section

Features

License

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC-BY-NC 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) after it has been accepted for publication. Sharing can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.