Environmental Scan of Critical and Inclusive Cataloging/Metadata Projects in US Academic Libraries

Abstract

With a surge of attention on improving EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) within the LIS
profession in recent years, numerous metadata and cataloging projects have been initiated to address
these issues. In this study, the author explores the types of critical cataloging and inclusive metadata
projects that cataloging/metadata professionals within academic libraries in the United States are
engaging in, whether these projects are reaching completion, and the supports or barriers these
professionals encounter. This study reports on a survey of cataloging and metadata professionals in
US academic libraries who have either completed, initiated, or have incomplete critical cataloging
projects within the past five years to examine their experiences. This research contributes to the
literature by offering contextualized analysis of the efforts undertaken by cataloging/metadata
professionals to advance EDI