Case by case examples

The following are examples of terms searched as part of the work for the Reparative Archival Description Task Force, for which there are fairly concrete ways of handling in Houghton Library's circumstances. Please note this page may include words that are harmful or offensive.

• Squaw
  • When used not in a formal title, exchange for "indigenous woman". Add processing information notes at the file and collection level.
  • If in a formal title, the term will not be removed. Instead, add a historical note with a brief history of the work being described, including its historical context. Research into the content and context will be necessary, and archivists should be transparent about any racist or derogatory aspects of the work. See case studies and examples spreadsheet for examples. Add processing information notes at the file and collection level.
• Feebleminded
  • When not used in a formal title, examine the individual case and use people-first language, based on the Best Practices for Describing Disability in Collections. Add processing information notes at the file and collection level.
  • When in a title, oftentimes an institution or school, add a historical note with a brief history of the institution and the context surrounding the usage of the term at the time. Research into the content and context will be necessary, and archivists should be transparent about any  derogatory aspects of the work or problematic aspects of the school or institution's history. See case studies and examples spreadsheet for examples. Add processing information notes at the file and collection level.
• N-word
  • This term was only found in titles when searched in 2022. If ever it is found in natural language description, remove. Replace with the contemporary terminology that would be appropriate. 
  • When in a title, oftentimes a play, book, or poem title, add a historical note with a brief history of the work and the context surrounding the usage of the term at the time. Keep in mind that this term may be included as part of white supremacist and/or racist materials or relating to Black empowerment materials, and make sure that context is clear. Research into the content and context will be necessary, and archivists should be transparent about any racist or derogatory aspects of the work. See case studies and examples spreadsheet for examples. Add processing information notes at the file and collection level.
• Orient
  • When in a formal title, term cannot be altered. Historical notes added to provide context for the term and its specific use in this case as possible, with processing information note at the item and collection level. The historical note should include specific information about the country, location, or group being described when possible.
  • When not in a formal title, adjusted for a more contemporary, non-colonialist term, with specific information about the country, location, or group being described when possible. If describing an Indigenous group, name the tribe and always capitalize any usage of the word Indigenous.
• Primitive
  • When in a formal title, term cannot be altered. Historical notes added to provide context for the term and its specific use in this case as possible, with processing information note at the item and collection level. The historical note should include specific information about the country, location, or group being described when possible.  If describing an Indigenous group, name the tribe and always capitalize any usage of the word Indigenous.
  • When not in a formal title, adjusted for a more contemporary, non-colonialist term, with specific information about the country, location, or group being described when possible. If describing an Indigenous group, name the tribe and always capitalize any usage of the word Indigenous.