The DEI Metadata Handbook: A Guide to Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Description
H. E. Wintermute, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Heather M. Campbell, Iowa State University
Christopher S. Dieckman, Iowa State University
Copyright Year:
Publisher: Iowa State University Digital Press
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution
CC BY
Reviews
Reviewed by Cathleen Miller, Education and Outreach Archivist, University of New England on 2/27/26
This handbook covers the scope of metadata used in description of library and archival materials. It provides helpful examples throughout and points to the standards of description that we recognize as authoritative in the field. read more
Reviewed by Cathleen Miller, Education and Outreach Archivist, University of New England on 2/27/26
Comprehensiveness
This handbook covers the scope of metadata used in description of library and archival materials. It provides helpful examples throughout and points to the standards of description that we recognize as authoritative in the field.
Content Accuracy
It is clear that this book was created through an extensive process of research and consultation with a wide range of sources. It is peer reviewed by reputable practitioners in the field. The authors took great care to provide resources outside of the text to guide further exploration of the book's topics.
Relevance/Longevity
The nature of language and its use is always changing. This book takes that into account, and offers suggestions about how to gather information regarding ways that communities wish to be described. The guidelines and considerations for description that are offered in the text are questions that we can continually ask ourselves as we are creating description, regardless of time period.
Clarity
While metadata itself can feel quite jargon-filled, this text is extremely clear and easy to read. The authors create a conversational feel that help the reader to ask questions of their own practices.
Consistency
Each chapter has a clear and consistent outline, which guides the reader through introductory material into deeper exploration of the topic at hand.
Modularity
The nature of cataloging practices require modularity, and the authors have done an excellent job creating clear, complete sections that one can read and digest on their own.
Organization/Structure/Flow
Very clear and helpful organization.
Interface
The book is easy to read and navigate through.
Grammatical Errors
I did not come across any grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance
This book takes cultural humility very seriously.
CommentsThis is a book I wish had been available when I was early in my archival career. It feels even more critical in a moment when language has become deeply politicized. The authors have created an invaluable resource to help center people in library and archival description.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Inclusive Description
- Name Authority Considerations
- Persons and Groups
- Classification
- Subject Headings
- Accessibility
- Afterword
- About the Authors
About the Book
Written primarily for professionals in library and information science but with applicability to archives and other information management industries, this handbook provides an overview of metadata work that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI metadata work has several goals: enhancing diverse representation in descriptive metadata; improving discovery of diverse resources; and mitigating negative effects of inaccurate, outdated, or offensive terminology. Readers will gain a broad awareness of DEI-related issues in metadata creation and management; learn techniques for retroactively reviewing and updating existing metadata to address these issues; and develop strategies to create metadata that better meets DEI needs.
About the Contributors
Authors
H. E. Wintermute is Chair of Acquisitions, Cataloging, Metadata, and E-Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries. Before her current role, Harriet led the Metadata Services department at Iowa State University. She has worked as cataloging and metadata librarian at UNL and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. She has a BA in Computer Science from Wellesley College. Harriet obtained her MLIS and a graduate certificate in special collections at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she began her career in library metadata as a graduate student employee.
Heather M. Campbell is Head of Metadata Services at Iowa State University. Prior roles include Discovery and Metadata Librarian at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Humanities and Instruction Librarian at Grinnell College, and Senior Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She received a BA in French from Drake University, an MA in French from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MLIS from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She enjoys teaching Fundamentals of Metadata, an ALA Core continuing education course.
Christopher S. Dieckman is a Metadata and Cataloging Librarian at the Iowa State University Library. He previously worked for OCLC as a catalog specialist. He received a BA in music from Northern Illinois University and an MLIS from Kent State University, where he concentrated on metadata and cataloging. Areas of interest include subject cataloging, user discovery, rare materials, and the role of library metadata in the broader information landscape.