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In the following examples from our holdings, our current methods, and future strategies for remediating outdated terminology in archival finding aids, photograph captions, and Library of Congress subject headings are described. Exceptions to remediation include titles of organizations, institutions, geographical locations, or descriptions provided by the donor. Alternatives to these exceptions are included under Recommendations
Issues
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and examples
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Finding aids
Many of our legacy finding aids contain outdated language used to describe the aging process. Collections related to institutional care of older adults offer specific examples of how this language has changed over time. Donated in the late 1970s and processed in the early 1980s. Many of these finding aids contain outdated terms such as “Old age,” “Aged,” and “Old Age Homes.”
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As emphasized throughout this guide, archivists, catalogers, and others involved in descriptive practices should solicit the opinion of donors and use their preferences.
Recommendations
- Recognize that aging is a natural part of life.
- Avoid language that defines, valorizes or belittles the aging process.
- We generally recommend using people first descriptions in all public facing documents.
- Use the language preference or self-identity used by donors. If their terms are contrary to the goals of inclusive language include explanatory notes.
- Provide contextual notes in instances where harmful language must be retained, including the titles of organizations, books, etc.
Resources:
Age-inclusive language: Are you using it in your writing and everyday speech?
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