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

• Published in: Library resources & technical services Vol. 67; no. 1; pp. 4 - 15
• Main Author: Fischer, Rachel K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago American Library Association 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Access to materials; Bibliographic records; Case studies; Cataloging rules; Consortia; Demographic aspects; Educational aspects; Gays & lesbians; Gender identity; Librarians; Libraries; Library associations; Library catalogs; Library catalogues; Library of Congress Subject Headings; Minority & ethnic groups; Public libraries; Sexual minorities; Subject heading schemes; Transgender persons; Trends; Vocabularies & taxonomies; Vocabulary; United States
• ISSN: 2159-9610; 0024-2527; 2159-9610
• DOI: 10.5860/lrts.67n1.4

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.