What was the primary function of the Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) "Illegal aliens"?

The Library of Congress Subject Heading "Illegal aliens" served as a topical term assigned by librarians to describe the content of resources within a library catalog that related to undocumented immigration. It was a standardized method for organizing and retrieving information on this subject.

In what year did the subject heading "Illegal aliens" become a significant topic of political interest in the United States?

The subject heading "Illegal aliens" became a topic of political interest in the United States in 2016. This heightened attention was prompted by a decision from the Library of Congress to revise the heading.

What decision did the Library of Congress make regarding the "Illegal aliens" subject heading in 2016?

In 2016, the Library of Congress decided to revise the "Illegal aliens" subject heading, intending to replace it with the terms "Noncitizens" and "Unauthorized immigration." This was an effort to update the terminology used in its cataloging system.

How did Congress intervene in the Library of Congress's decision to change the "Illegal aliens" subject heading?

Congress intervened by opposing the Library of Congress's decision to revise the "Illegal aliens" subject heading. This intervention marked the first time in U.S. history that Congress interfered with the determination of a Library of Congress Subject Heading.

What were the two specific headings that replaced the "Illegal aliens" group of subject headings?

The "Illegal aliens" group of subject headings was replaced by two new headings: "Noncitizens" and "Illegal immigration," along with their corresponding subheadings. This change aimed to provide more precise and potentially less contentious terminology for cataloging.

When was the subject heading "Aliens, Illegal" initially established by the Library of Congress?

The subject heading "Aliens, Illegal" was first established by the Library of Congress in 1980. This marked the initial formal classification for materials related to this topic within the Library's cataloging system.

By what year had the Library of Congress revised "Aliens, Illegal" to "Illegal aliens"?

The Library of Congress revised the subject heading from "Aliens, Illegal" to "Illegal aliens" in 1993. This change reflected an evolution in the terminology used to describe the subject matter within their classification system.

What was the "Drop the I-Word" campaign, and which organization spearheaded it?

The "Drop the I-Word" campaign was an effort launched by the racial justice organization Race Forward in 2010. The campaign urged media sources to stop using the word "illegal" when referring to undocumented immigrants, arguing that such usage was dehumanizing, racially charged, and legally inaccurate.

What change did the Associated Press implement in 2013 regarding the use of the word "illegal"?

In 2013, the Associated Press decided to use the word "illegal" only to describe an action, rather than a person. This policy change reflected a growing awareness that individuals cannot technically be "illegal," as illegality is typically associated with actions or status.

What reasoning did Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas offer for avoiding the term "illegal" when referring to people?

Jose Antonio Vargas explained that the term "illegal" dehumanizes and marginalizes people. He highlighted the problematic nature of the term when applied to individuals by posing the question, "in what other context do we call someone illegal?"

Which student activists at Dartmouth College were involved in requesting a change to the Library of Congress heading?

Student activists from the Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality and DREAMers (CoFIRED) were involved in requesting a change to the Library of Congress heading. They submitted a formal request to revise the "Illegal aliens" heading to "Undocumented immigrants."

When did the Library of Congress initially decline to change the "Illegal aliens" subject heading, and what was one of the reasons provided?

In February 2015, the Library of Congress announced it would not change the "Illegal aliens" heading. One of the reasons cited was that resources like "Black's Law Dictionary" used "Illegal aliens" as an established term, indicating its prevalence in legal and academic contexts at the time.

What action did the Council of the American Library Association (ALA) take in January 2016 concerning the "Illegal aliens" subject heading?

In January 2016, the Council of the American Library Association passed a resolution. This resolution characterized the term "illegal aliens" as "dehumanizing, offensive, inflammatory, and even a racial slur" and urged the Library of Congress to change the subject heading to "Undocumented immigrants."

When did the Library of Congress officially announce its decision to replace the "Illegal aliens" subject heading?

The Library of Congress announced its decision to replace the "Illegal aliens" subject heading in March 2016. This announcement followed advocacy efforts and discussions about the terminology used in cataloging.

What were the two new subject headings that the Library of Congress announced in March 2016 to replace "Illegal aliens"?

In March 2016, the Library of Congress announced it would replace the "Illegal aliens" heading with two new headings: "Noncitizens" and "Unauthorized immigration." This change aimed to update the cataloging terminology to be more precise.

How did Republican lawmakers attempt to block the Library of Congress's revision of the "Illegal aliens" subject heading?

Following the March 2016 announcement, Republican lawmakers made multiple attempts to block the revision. These attempts included introducing legislation, such as a bill by U.S. Representative Diane Black, that would have required the Library to retain the original heading.

What was the outcome of the House of Representatives' inclusion of a provision in the 2017 appropriations bill regarding the "Illegal aliens" subject heading?

The House of Representatives added a provision to the 2017 appropriations bill for the legislative branch that required the Library of Congress to retain the "Illegal aliens" heading without revision. While the final bill did not mandate keeping the exact wording, it did require the Library of Congress to make its subject heading change process publicly available.

What is the documentary film "Change the Subject" about, and who was involved in its creation?

The documentary film "Change the Subject" is about the students at Dartmouth College and their activism. It chronicles their efforts and the broader movement to change library subject headings, particularly focusing on the "Illegal aliens" heading and its implications.

How many libraries and library systems are noted to have revised the "Illegal aliens" heading in their local catalogs?

Over forty libraries and library systems revised the "Illegal aliens" heading in their local catalogs. This indicates a widespread adoption of alternative terminology by various institutions seeking more inclusive language.

Can you name some university libraries that have adopted alternative subject headings and cancelled "illegal alien" in their catalogs?

Yes, several university libraries have adopted alternative subject headings and cancelled "illegal alien" in their catalogs. These include the University of Colorado (2018), the California State University Libraries (2020), Harvard University (2021), Middlebury College (2021), and Vassar College (2021).

When did the Library of Congress Policy and Standards Division announce another significant revision to the terms related to immigration?

The Library of Congress Policy and Standards Division announced another revision on November 12, 2021. This revision involved changing specific terms within the Library's subject heading system, affecting how immigration-related topics are cataloged.

What specific terms were replaced in the November 2021 revision by the Library of Congress, and what were the new terms?

In the November 2021 revision, the Library of Congress replaced the term "Aliens" with "Noncitizens" and the term "Illegal aliens" with "Illegal immigration." These changes were implemented in December 2021, continuing the evolution of cataloging terminology.

What criticism did some librarians express regarding the 2021 subject heading changes?

While the American Library Association welcomed the removal of "illegal aliens," some librarians expressed frustrations that the changed language, specifically "Illegal immigration," still retained the word "illegal" to describe the act. This suggests ongoing debate about the adequacy of the new terminology in fully addressing concerns about dehumanization.

What is the Library of Congress Classification mentioned in the "See also" section?

The "See also" section mentions the Library of Congress Classification. This is a separate system used by libraries to organize books and other materials by subject using alphanumeric codes, distinct from the subject headings themselves which describe the content.

What is the subject matter of the documentary "Change the Subject" listed in the external links?

The documentary "Change the Subject," listed in the external links, focuses on labels, libraries, and activism. It specifically chronicles the efforts of students at Dartmouth College and their broader movement to change library subject headings, particularly the "Illegal aliens" heading.

What is the "Words That Hurt" video, and who produced it?

The "Words That Hurt" video is an 11-minute video produced by the Brooklyn Public Library. It addresses the impact of language, likely in relation to subject headings and terminology used for people, aiming to raise awareness about the power of words.

What was the initial purpose of establishing the "Illegal aliens" subject heading by the Library of Congress?

The initial purpose of establishing the "Illegal aliens" subject heading was to provide librarians with a standardized term to describe and catalog resources related to undocumented immigration within library collections. This allowed for consistent organization and retrieval of information on the topic.

How did the term "illegal" applied to people become a point of contention in discussions about library cataloging?

The term "illegal" applied to people became a point of contention because many argued it was dehumanizing, racially charged, and legally inaccurate. Activists and organizations advocated for using terms that described actions rather than labeling individuals as inherently illegal, highlighting the impact of such language.

What role did the Library of Congress play in the discourse surrounding the term "illegal alien"?

The Library of Congress played a central role by maintaining "Illegal aliens" as an official subject heading for many years. Its decisions to revise or maintain this heading directly influenced cataloging practices and became a focal point for advocacy groups seeking to change the terminology used for undocumented immigrants.

What does the phrase "human beings can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong" from Elie Wiesel's quote imply about the nature of human identity?

This part of Elie Wiesel's quote implies that human identity is characterized by a wide range of physical attributes and moral judgments, none of which relate to their legal status. It suggests that these are variable human traits, contrasting them with the fixed, absolute nature of being "illegal."

What does the term "dehumanizing" mean when applied to the subject heading "Illegal aliens"?

When applied to the subject heading "Illegal aliens," the term "dehumanizing" suggests that the label strips individuals of their identity and reduces them to a legal status, ignoring their humanity. It implies that the term reduces people to an abstract legal category rather than recognizing them as individuals with inherent dignity.

What does the term "racially charged" imply about the use of "illegal" for people?

The term "racially charged" implies that the use of "illegal" to describe people is often associated with or perceived to be directed towards specific racial or ethnic groups, particularly immigrants. It suggests that the term carries connotations of prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity.

What does the term "legally inaccurate" mean in the context of calling a person "illegal"?

The term "legally inaccurate" means that from a strict legal standpoint, a person cannot be "illegal" in the same way an action can be. Laws pertain to actions, and while a person might be in a country without authorization, the label "illegal" applied to the person themselves is considered imprecise or incorrect by many legal and linguistic standards.

What is the significance of the Library of Congress's decision to make its process for changing subject headings publicly available?

Making the process publicly available signifies a move towards greater transparency in how the Library of Congress develops and revises its cataloging standards. It allows stakeholders to understand the methodology and criteria used for these important decisions, fostering accountability.

What does the term "Orwellian" suggest about the senators' view of the Library of Congress's language control?

The term "Orwellian," referencing George Orwell's novel *Nineteen Eighty-Four*, suggests that the senators believe the Library of Congress is engaging in a form of thought control or manipulation of language to shape public perception and reality. They perceive it as an attempt to control language in a way that distorts truth, similar to the concept of "Newspeak" in the novel.

What is the significance of the Library of Congress's subject heading system in the broader context of information access?

The Library of Congress's subject heading system is significant because it provides a standardized framework for organizing and accessing vast amounts of information in libraries worldwide. Changes to these headings can impact how researchers find and categorize knowledge on various topics, influencing accessibility and understanding.

What does the term "topical subject term" mean in the context of the Library of Congress Subject Headings?

A "topical subject term" is a specific phrase or word used within a thesaurus, like the Library of Congress Subject Headings, to represent the main subject or theme of a resource. It functions as a label for cataloging and retrieval purposes, ensuring consistency in how information is described.

What does the term "thesaurus" refer to in the context of information retrieval?

In information retrieval, a thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary that lists terms and their relationships, such as synonyms, broader terms, and narrower terms. It is used to standardize indexing and searching, ensuring consistency in how information is described and found, thereby improving search accuracy.

What is the role of a "library catalog" in relation to subject headings?

A library catalog is a database or listing of all the materials held by a library. Subject headings are assigned to each item in the catalog to describe its content, allowing users to search for and locate resources on specific topics by matching their search terms to these standardized labels.

What does the "National" category under Authority Control indicate regarding the subject "Illegal aliens"?

Under the "National" category of Authority Control, the article lists "United States" and "Israel" as relevant authorities for the subject of "Illegal immigration" (implied by the context of the subject heading). This suggests that these countries have specific legal frameworks, cataloging practices, or national libraries that manage and standardize terminology related to the topic.

What does the "Other" category under Authority Control, specifically "Yale LUX," suggest about the subject?

The mention of "Yale LUX" under "Other" Authority Control suggests that academic institutions or specialized collections, like Yale University's library resources, also manage and catalog information related to this subject. It indicates broader academic engagement with the topic beyond national library systems and highlights specialized databases.

What was the primary criticism leveled against the Library of Congress's 2021 decision to change "Illegal aliens" to "Illegal immigration"?

The primary criticism against the 2021 change was that while the term "illegal" was removed from referring to people, the new heading "Illegal immigration" still retained the word "illegal" to describe the act. Some librarians felt this did not fully address the dehumanizing aspect of the terminology, as the core issue of "illegality" remained attached to the concept.

How did the 2016 legislative process attempt to influence the Library of Congress's subject heading policies?

The 2016 legislative process attempted to influence the Library of Congress's subject heading policies by introducing bills and provisions in appropriations acts that aimed to prevent the revision of the "Illegal aliens" heading. This demonstrated a political effort to maintain the existing terminology, overriding the Library's cataloging decisions.

What does the phrase "politically-motivated and Orwellian attempt to manipulate and control language" suggest about the perspective of Senators Cruz and Braun on the 2021 changes?

This phrase suggests that Senators Cruz and Braun viewed the Library of Congress's decision to change subject headings as an attempt to alter public discourse and perception through language manipulation, rather than a neutral cataloging update. They perceived it as driven by political agendas rather than objective linguistic or cataloging principles, likening it to thought control.

What is the significance of the Library of Congress's subject heading system in the broader context of information access?

The Library of Congress's subject heading system is significant because it provides a standardized framework for organizing and accessing vast amounts of information in libraries worldwide. Changes to these headings can impact how researchers find and categorize knowledge on various topics, influencing accessibility, discoverability, and understanding of subjects.

What does the term "topical subject term" mean in the context of the Library of Congress Subject Headings?

A "topical subject term" is a specific phrase or word used within a thesaurus, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, to represent the main subject or theme of a resource. It functions as a label for cataloging and retrieval purposes, ensuring consistency in how information is described and found within a library's collection.

What does the term "thesaurus" refer to in the context of information retrieval?

In information retrieval, a thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary that lists terms and their relationships, such as synonyms, broader terms, and narrower terms. It is used to standardize indexing and searching, ensuring consistency in how information is described and found, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of information discovery.

What is the role of a "library catalog" in relation to subject headings?

A library catalog is a database or listing of all the materials held by a library. Subject headings are assigned to each item in the catalog to describe its content, allowing users to search for and locate resources on specific topics by matching their search terms to these standardized labels, thereby facilitating information retrieval.

Illegal Aliens Library Of Congress Subject Heading Wiki: Lexical Navigation: The Evolution of Library Cataloging Terminology

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Background

Subject Heading Context

The term "Illegal aliens" served as a topical subject term within the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), a controlled vocabulary thesaurus utilized by librarians to categorize and describe resources within library catalogs. This designation was assigned by librarians to classify materials pertaining to undocumented immigration.

Historical Establishment

The subject heading Aliens, Illegal was initially established by the Library of Congress in 1980. It underwent a revision to Illegal aliens in 1993. This heading encompassed a range of related and non-preferred terms, including Aliens--Legal status, laws, etc., Illegal aliens--Legal status, laws, etc., Illegal immigrants, Illegal immigration, and Undocumented aliens. It also cross-referenced terms such as Alien detention centers and Human smuggling, and included associated headings like Children of illegal aliens and Women illegal aliens.

Linguistic Significance

The phrase "No human being is illegal" was notably popularized by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. He articulated that the concept of a human being being "illegal" is a contradiction in terms, emphasizing the inherent dignity of all individuals regardless of their legal status. This sentiment underscored a growing movement advocating for more humane and accurate language in describing immigrants.

Terminology Debate

The "Drop the I-Word" Campaign

In 2010, the racial justice organization Race Forward launched a campaign to encourage media outlets to cease using the term "illegal" to describe undocumented immigrants. They argued that applying the descriptor "illegal" to people is dehumanizing, racially charged, and legally imprecise. This advocacy contributed to a broader shift, with numerous news organizations beginning to avoid the term "illegal" when referring to individuals in the early 2010s.

Evolving Media Standards

By 2013, the Associated Press revised its style guide to permit the use of "illegal" only when describing an action, not a person, based on the legal principle that a person cannot be inherently "illegal." Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas highlighted this point, questioning the context in which such a term is applied to individuals: "Think of it this way, in what other context do we call someone illegal?"

Academic Advocacy

In February 2014, student activists at Dartmouth College, through the Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality and DREAMers (CoFIRED), presented a series of demands to the university administration. One key request was for the library catalog to discontinue the use of the term Illegal aliens. Collaborating with Dartmouth librarians, CoFIRED formally petitioned the Library of Congress in the summer of 2014 to revise the heading to Undocumented immigrants. However, in February 2015, the Library of Congress declined the request, citing the established use of the term in resources like Black's Law Dictionary.

The Political Controversy

Congressional Intervention

The subject heading became a focal point of political interest in the United States in 2016. A decision by the Library of Congress to revise the heading and replace it with Noncitizens and Unauthorized immigration faced opposition from congressional Republicans. This marked the first instance in U.S. history where Congress directly intervened in the determination of a Library of Congress Subject Heading.

Legislative Actions

Following the Library of Congress's March 2016 announcement to replace the heading, Republican lawmakers made concerted efforts to prevent the revision. U.S. Representative Diane Black introduced legislation mandating the retention of the original heading. Subsequently, in June 2016, the House of Representatives incorporated a provision into the legislative branch's 2017 appropriations bill, requiring the Library of Congress to maintain the "Illegal aliens" wording without modification. While the final enacted bill did not strictly enforce the retention of the original wording, it mandated that the Library of Congress publicly disclose its process for changing or adding subject headings.

Cultural Impact

The documentary film Change the Subject, which chronicled the activism of Dartmouth College students, gained national attention through screenings across the U.S. in 2019. This film amplified the discourse surrounding the impact of language in library cataloging and its connection to social justice issues.

The 2021 Revision

Official Change

On November 12, 2021, the Library of Congress Policy and Standards Division announced a significant update: the term Aliens would be replaced with Noncitizens, and the heading Illegal aliens would be replaced with Illegal immigration. This change was formally implemented in December 2021.

Mixed Reactions

The chosen terms elicited varied responses. A letter signed by Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Braun criticized the decision as "a politically-motivated and Orwellian attempt to manipulate and control language." Conversely, some librarians expressed continued dissatisfaction, feeling that the revised language remained insufficient in addressing the dehumanizing aspects of the terminology.

Local Catalog Adoptions

Prior to the official revision, over forty libraries and library systems had already updated the heading within their local catalogs. Notable examples include the University of Colorado (2018), California State University Libraries (2020), Harvard University (2021), Middlebury College (2021), and Vassar College (2021), which had independently adopted alternative subject headings and ceased using "illegal alien."

Related Concepts

Classification

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a bibliographic classification system developed by the Library of Congress. It organizes library materials by subject, using a combination of letters and numbers to create a unique call number for each item.

Authority

Authority control is the process of establishing and maintaining the consistency of the representation of names (of persons, places, things, concepts) used in a library catalog. It ensures that each unique entity is represented by a single, authorized form, facilitating accurate searching and retrieval.

External Resources

Documentaries

Explore the activism and discussions surrounding library terminology:

Change the Subject: A 54-minute documentary examining labels, libraries, and activism.
Words That Hurt: An 11-minute video from the Brooklyn Public Library.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Illegal aliens (Library of Congress Subject Heading) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or current.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert consultation in library science, linguistics, or legal matters. Always refer to official Library of Congress documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to cataloging standards, terminology, or legal status.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Lexical Navigation

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Background ℹ️

🏛️ Subject Heading Context

🗓️ Historical Establishment

🗣️ Linguistic Significance

Terminology Debate 🗣️

⚖️ The "Drop the I-Word" Campaign

📰 Evolving Media Standards

🎓 Academic Advocacy

The Political Controversy 🏛️

🇺🇸 Congressional Intervention

📜 Legislative Actions

🎬 Cultural Impact

The 2021 Revision 🔄

✅ Official Change

💬 Mixed Reactions

🌐 Local Catalog Adoptions

Related Concepts 🔗

🗂️ Classification

💡 Authority

External Resources 🌐

🎬 Documentaries

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background

Subject Heading Context

Historical Establishment

Linguistic Significance

Terminology Debate

The "Drop the I-Word" Campaign

Evolving Media Standards

Academic Advocacy

The Political Controversy

Congressional Intervention

Legislative Actions

Cultural Impact

The 2021 Revision

Official Change

Mixed Reactions

Local Catalog Adoptions

Related Concepts

Classification

Authority

External Resources

Documentaries

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice