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The Subject Authority Cooperative of the Library of Congress Program for Cooperative Cataloging has a form which anyone can use to suggest changes to existing LC class numbers: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/saco/sacochghelp.html

 

Daniel Starr

Manager of Bibliographic Operations

Thomas J. Watson Library

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jane Carlin
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 4:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARLIS-L] Cataloging Question

 

Dear ARLIS/NA Colleagues

 

Recently I have been approached by a student organization concerning the LC classification of publications associated with gender issues - they provided me with some specific examples of materials associated with transgender issues that are shelved with materials related to deviancy.  This has raised concerns with many of our students who support diversity and inclusion programs on campus.

 

A response from a cataloger is as follows: " As you know, the Library of Congress classification system does have a few idiosyncrasies, and issues where social change is involved frequently end up in odd places.  It originated in 1899 and has gone through several editions.  But once class numbers are assigned, it happens infrequently that they are moved, and even less frequently that materials are reclassified.  Transgender/Gay/Lesbian material is not alone, or even unique in its awkward placement.  As far as I know, there has been no reclassification"

 

I would be most interested in comments from ARLIS/NA colleagues concerning this topic. 

 

 

Jane A. Carlin

Director, Collins Memorial Library

University of Puget Sound

1500 N.  Warner  St.  #1021

Tacoma, Washington 98416-1021

 

T: 253-879-3118

www.ups.edu/library

 

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