More Than Words: Thinking Critically About Digital Collection Material

Galleries, libraries, archives, museums, and special collections (GLAMS) are grappling with the presence of harmful content within their collections, and harmful language within their collection descriptions. Many have recently published their own statements seeking to acknowledge these issues, and are navigating the ways in which to manage and address potentially harmful content and description within their digital collections. During our birds of a feather, we aim to engage with colleagues from institutions across the state who are facing similar questions about the management and presentation of harmful content, and attempting to address harmful language in their collection descriptions. We will begin by defining harmful content and harmful description, and introduce initiatives taking place at the University of Texas Libraries and at other institutions around the state. The conversation will create space to discuss the ethical concerns that arise with broadened access to these materials, and examine the impact that they can have on those represented, particularly from historically excluded communities. Participants will be able to share strategies, resources, and lessons learned from their experiences managing harmful content and language in their collections.