Challenged materials

The University of Manitoba Libraries stand for academic freedom and the unencumbered pursuit of knowledge. As such, allegations of false, misleading, or offensive content do not result in withdrawal or alteration of materials acquired or produced by the Libraries. We provide materials for study and scholarship, and the interest, information, and enlightenment of our communities, without exclusion based on origin or views. While authors, creators, or collectors may make claims that could be hurtful or lead to erroneous conclusions, it is not our role or responsibility to verify or validate the content. We make research available for review, rebuttal, substantiation, support, or further inquiry. The Libraries assumes no role in mediating academic interchanges, and materials acquired by the Libraries stand as published.

Libraries' collections - descriptions

It is important to note that our catalogue and resource descriptions describe an item as it describes itself, and therefore the Libraries does not add notes or warnings to items that have faced allegations of false, misleading, or offensive content.

However, the Libraries recognizes that our catalogue and resource descriptions contain language that reflects the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which they were created. In particular, for resources about persons and groups, this language is often outdated and harmful. These descriptions also incorporate controlled vocabularies, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, which include some headings that are offensive or inappropriate. We use international standards for description, but support and actively participate in efforts to update and change these practices as we strive for descriptions that are inclusive, respectful, and do not cause harm.

If you encounter language in the University of Manitoba Library catalogue records or other resource descriptions that you find offensive or harmful, or if you have questions about this statement or our work, we welcome your feedback via acqdaf@umanitoba.ca. We review and add to catalogue records and other resource descriptions as appropriate, where we can. 

Archives & Special Collections - descriptions

The University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections preserves the historical record of the University and acquires special research collections which further the educational aims of the University of Manitoba. Historical records held in the collections may contain language, images, stereotypes or cultural references that are outdated or inappropriate. Outdated language may also be found in the descriptions of archival collections. Archivists cannot change the language of the records or items, but can take steps to provide context for its use and make changes to the descriptions of the records. 

If you have any questions, contact the Associate University Librarian, Collections.