j's scratchpad

Thanks, Jessamym!

(Seriously, though, the letter mentions a sex act some people will find bothersome. Don’t look if you’re at work.)

Uh … I guess I need to say that it’s not the proposed Library of Congress Subject Headings in the letter that remind me of this person. It’s that someone is suggesting new headings that’ll probably raise eyebrows for the Library of Congress Subject Headings.

As we know, change is difficult and slow for many organizations. It takes time for the Library of Congress to choose new subject headings and descriptors to include in their massive work and to revise existing ones. Sandy Berman of the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota (Er, at least he used to be there. A cursory glance at the library Web site didn’t work for verification.) suggested many changes to the LCSH over the years, including terms related to gays and lesbians and various ethnic groups. Sure, he’s rattled some cages, but he’s also done some great things.

Addendum: Geez, I could have done a better job describing the letter so you wouldn’t have to go look at something I suggested not looking at because it isn’t work safe … The brief letter proposes a subject heading, three use fors, and a broader term.

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