The Thematic Network on Decolonization of Arctic Library and Archives Metadata (DALAM) Launches Digital Library
The UArctic Thematic Network Decolonization of Arctic Library and Archives Metadata (DALAM) has launched the open-access DALAM Digital Library, a new resource providing guidance, training, and Indigenous-approved tools to support libraries, archives, and museums in the decolonization of metadata across the Arctic.
Written by Sharon Rankin and Sandy Campbell
Decolonization of Arctic Library and Archives Metadata (DALAM), a UArctic Thematic Network, has launched a new open-access information resource: the DALAM Digital Library.
DALAM was created in 2023 by the Polar Libraries Colloquy to address the growing need for help with the decolonization of metadata, descriptive cataloguing, archival description, classification systems, subject headings, and other terminology that is used by libraries and archives. Through DALAM's meetings, training sessions, and workshops, members among the network have come to understand that many organizations - libraries, archives, and museums - are at the beginning of the process of decolonizing metadata. People who work directly with the metadata (subject headings, descriptive cataloguing, tags, etc.), as well as policymakers, are seeking guidance. Common questions include: "How do I know if my library's metadata needs to be decolonized?" How do I identify inappropriate terminology?" "What are the steps that I need to take in the decolonization process?" and "Who do I ask about what the appropriate terminology would be?"
The DALAM Digital Library is designed to be a resource where anyone can find information sources, including videos of DALAM sessions, resources on the subject of decolonization of metadata, information about maps and dictionaries, thesauri, and terminology works that have been created by or approved by Indigenous communities throughout the Arctic.
The DALAM Digital Library has four collections:
Educational Resources - this section includes videos of training sessions offered by DALAM, as well as sessions offered by individual libraries and archives highlighting the work that they are doing in decolonizing metadata.
Research Resources - this is a collection of linked publications that are related to various aspects of metadata decolonization.
Dictionaries, Thesauri and Subject Headings - this is a linked list of dictionaries, thesauri, and subject headings lists built through consultation with polar and Indigenous communities.
Maps and Place Names - this is a linked list of Indigenous community maps and geographic names lists that reflect local knowledge and perspectives.
The DALAM Digital Library, currently under development at McGill University Libraries (Montreal, Canada), is an evolving resource. We welcome feedback and inquiries as we work to enhance and expand the platform. Contributions and suggestions for new materials are encouraged to help grow and enrich the Library’s collections. To learn more about the DALAM Digital Library, we invite you to view a brief introductory video:
We extend our sincere thanks to all those involved in the development of the DALAM Digital Library website and video productions.
For further information about the DALAM Digital Library, or to submit content, please contact:
- Sharon Rankin – sharon.rankin@mcgill.ca
- Andrea Quaiattini – andrea.quaiattini@mcgill.ca