The Ontario Library Service is committed to continuous learning to inform inclusive and diverse thinking in our programs and services.  A part of this process is thinking about existing services in relation to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.  The OLS is working to further our commitment to access and decolonization of the JASI integrated library system consortia catalogue.  We have undertaken this action in support of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations Truth and Reconciliation Report call to action #5:

Decolonize Access and Classification by addressing the structural biases in existing schemes of knowledge organization and information retrieval arising from colonialism by committing to integrating Indigenous epistemologies into cataloguing praxis and knowledge management;

With the guidance of the JASI Advisory Group, we have engaged Library Services Centre (LSC) to begin an update of colonial subject headings in the JASI catalogue which will affect the records of all 119 JASI consortia members.  LSC has developed a set of respectful Indigenous subject headings based on the collaborative work of Greater Victoria Public Library and on ongoing work being done by the Xwi7xwa Library, Manitoba Archival Information Network (MAIN), and the National Indigenous Knowledge and Language Alliance (NIKLA).  Over the next few months respectful Indigenous subject headings will be added to all relevant MARC records in the JASI consortia catalogue.  Colonial subject headings will remain in the MARC record alongside the respectful Indigenous subject headings for searchability and education.

What does this mean for JASI members?

  • Respectful Indigenous subject headings will be added to your MARC records with no cost to you.
  • This work will be conducted behind the scenes and should not impact the use of your OPAC, or the JASI ILS system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones CEO for Ontario Library Service at mdonofrio.jones@olservice.ca.  The JASI Advisory group and the Ontario Library Service are pleased to take these steps toward decolonizing the JASI consortia catalogue.