Harmful Language Statement

The University Library recognizes that the language and standards used to describe its resources are not neutral - nor are we - and that past practices have led to biased and harmful descriptions across collections. Additionally, some materials, which have been preserved and made available for their historical significance, may include offensive and outdated terminology and depict or describe graphic, hateful, and disturbing content. Our stewardship of these materials does not constitute support of their content or perspectives.

We are aware that the way we present these materials has a direct impact on users and are dedicated to providing respectful and inclusive descriptions of all of our resources and collections by: 

• informing users of the presence of graphic or harmful content;
• regularly assessing and revising the language in our records; 
• providing context to original information supplied by the creator; 
• consulting with communities represented in the collections;
• critically assessing standards and tools used for description as language and concepts evolve.  

As part of the California State University system, we work in collaboration with and are guided by efforts of the Inclusive Description Task Force at the consortium level which aim to describe and present library materials in a manner that is respectful and representative of our diverse user population.

As we review and remediate offensive language and content, we welcome your feedback about records that require review. Please use our Harmful Content Feedback Form if you encounter language or content that is outdated, offensive, or could benefit from additional context.