Add AIATSIS thesauri to the CZ subject authority files
As a cataloguer, I would like to see the AIATSIS thesauri made available in the Community Zone authority files for 6XX subject fields.
BENEFITS
- Make it easier for cataloguers to validate AIATSIS subject headings
- Enable routine review and updates of AIATSIS subject headings through the Authority Control Task List
- Enrich Primo searches for end users, using non-preferred terms (especially synonyms for people and language groups)
- Promote AIATSIS thesauri to Australian libraries
While specific libraries can import and manage AIATSIS subject headings as local authorities, I think this vocabulary should be made available in the CZ authority records, since it is already used and shared by institutions across Australia.
BACKGROUND
AIATSIS produces the thesauri for cataloguing and searching the AIATSIS collection; and publishes them so that other institutions have access to a nationally-recognised controlled vocabulary that is more culturally appropriate than LCSH for describing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in collections.
The thesauri include Subjects and Placenames (in Pathways), and Languages and Peoples (in AustLang). These are accepted by LOC for use in bibliographic records, and have been assigned Subject Heading and Term source codes for use in the 6XX subject fields. (aiatsisl: AIATSIS language thesaurus, aiatsisp: AIATSIS place thesaurus, aiatsiss: AIATSIS subject thesaurus)
Use of the AIATSIS thesauri is encouraged under ATSILIRN protocol 5.1; the National Library of Australia has been using the thesauri since 2019; and use of the thesauri seems to me to be increasing amongst Australian libraries.
Nina Goldie
shared this idea
Hello,
We are currently reviewing our options with AIATSIS team.
Thank you for posting and supporting this idea.
Tamar Ganor
Content Product Manager
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Jonah Highman
commented
Very supportive of this idea which would be of immense value to Australian institutions. This would reduce barriers to access these thesauri and make it easier for cataloguers to appropriately describe Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in a culturally sensitive way.
Speaking purely logistically, this idea could potentially be a quick win for Ex Libris, being already-established and supported thesauri with LOC source codes. This idea also strongly aligns with Ex Libris' own commitment to Supporting Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (https://exlibrisgroup.com/diversity-inclusion-equity/)
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Lucy Cammell
commented
Very supportive of this enhancement request! These thesauri are important in the pursuit of ethical cataloguing and resource description which recognises the privilege inherent in continuing to rely solely on dominant Anglo-centric vocabularies.
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Susan Gaw
commented
I also agree that this is a very important feature for Australian libraries working towards reconciliation between First Nations people and the communities they serve.
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Kathleen Cobcroft commented
Agreed - this is a really important feature for Australian libraries that would help us enhance records with terms that are not problematic or offensive to our users.
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Stephanie Morton
commented
I've created MARC files for the AUSTLANG Languages & Peoples headings for us to manage locally but it'd be much preferrable to have all four thesauri available in the Community Zone to be managed there.
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dave allen
commented
This is an important DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness) request