Wiki2Web Studio

Create complete, beautiful interactive educational materials in less than 5 minutes.

Print flashcards, homework worksheets, exams/quizzes, study guides, & more.

Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.

Unsaved Work Found!

It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?

The Evolution of Library Subject Headings: The 'Illegal Aliens' Controversy

At a Glance

Title: The Evolution of Library Subject Headings: The 'Illegal Aliens' Controversy

Total Categories: 7

Category Stats

  • Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) System: 14 flashcards, 7 questions
  • History of the "Illegal Aliens" Heading: 9 flashcards, 13 questions
  • Advocacy and Activism for Terminology Change: 6 flashcards, 8 questions
  • Linguistic and Ethical Dimensions of Terminology: 5 flashcards, 7 questions
  • Political and Legislative Interventions: 7 flashcards, 8 questions
  • Key Figures and Perspectives on Terminology: 4 flashcards, 5 questions
  • Subsequent Revisions and Ongoing Debates: 7 flashcards, 9 questions

Total Stats

  • Total Flashcards: 52
  • True/False Questions: 31
  • Multiple Choice Questions: 26
  • Total Questions: 57

Instructions

Click the button to expand the instructions for how to use the Wiki2Web Teacher studio in order to print, edit, and export data about The Evolution of Library Subject Headings: The 'Illegal Aliens' Controversy

Welcome to Your Curriculum Command Center

This guide will turn you into a Wiki2web Studio power user. Let's unlock the features designed to give you back your weekends.

The Core Concept: What is a "Kit"?

Think of a Kit as your all-in-one digital lesson plan. It's a single, portable file that contains every piece of content for a topic: your subject categories, a central image, all your flashcards, and all your questions. The true power of the Studio is speed—once a kit is made (or you import one), you are just minutes away from printing an entire set of coursework.

Getting Started is Simple:

  • Create New Kit: Start with a clean slate. Perfect for a brand-new lesson idea.
  • Import & Edit Existing Kit: Load a .json kit file from your computer to continue your work or to modify a kit created by a colleague.
  • Restore Session: The Studio automatically saves your progress in your browser. If you get interrupted, you can restore your unsaved work with one click.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation (The Authoring Tools)

This is where you build the core knowledge of your Kit. Use the left-side navigation panel to switch between these powerful authoring modules.

⚙️ Kit Manager: Your Kit's Identity

This is the high-level control panel for your project.

  • Kit Name: Give your Kit a clear title. This will appear on all your printed materials.
  • Master Image: Upload a custom cover image for your Kit. This is essential for giving your content a professional visual identity, and it's used as the main graphic when you export your Kit as an interactive game.
  • Topics: Create the structure for your lesson. Add topics like "Chapter 1," "Vocabulary," or "Key Formulas." All flashcards and questions will be organized under these topics.

🃏 Flashcard Author: Building the Knowledge Blocks

Flashcards are the fundamental concepts of your Kit. Create them here to define terms, list facts, or pose simple questions.

  • Click "➕ Add New Flashcard" to open the editor.
  • Fill in the term/question and the definition/answer.
  • Assign the flashcard to one of your pre-defined topics.
  • To edit or remove a flashcard, simply use the ✏️ (Edit) or ❌ (Delete) icons next to any entry in the list.

✍️ Question Author: Assessing Understanding

Create a bank of questions to test knowledge. These questions are the engine for your worksheets and exams.

  • Click "➕ Add New Question".
  • Choose a Type: True/False for quick checks or Multiple Choice for more complex assessments.
  • To edit an existing question, click the ✏️ icon. You can change the question text, options, correct answer, and explanation at any time.
  • The Explanation field is a powerful tool: the text you enter here will automatically appear on the teacher's answer key and on the Smart Study Guide, providing instant feedback.

🔗 Intelligent Mapper: The Smart Connection

This is the secret sauce of the Studio. The Mapper transforms your content from a simple list into an interconnected web of knowledge, automating the creation of amazing study guides.

  • Step 1: Select a question from the list on the left.
  • Step 2: In the right panel, click on every flashcard that contains a concept required to answer that question. They will turn green, indicating a successful link.
  • The Payoff: When you generate a Smart Study Guide, these linked flashcards will automatically appear under each question as "Related Concepts."

Step 2: The Magic (The Generator Suite)

You've built your content. Now, with a few clicks, turn it into a full suite of professional, ready-to-use materials. What used to take hours of formatting and copying-and-pasting can now be done in seconds.

🎓 Smart Study Guide Maker

Instantly create the ultimate review document. It combines your questions, the correct answers, your detailed explanations, and all the "Related Concepts" you linked in the Mapper into one cohesive, printable guide.

📝 Worksheet & 📄 Exam Builder

Generate unique assessments every time. The questions and multiple-choice options are randomized automatically. Simply select your topics, choose how many questions you need, and generate:

  • A Student Version, clean and ready for quizzing.
  • A Teacher Version, complete with a detailed answer key and the explanations you wrote.

🖨️ Flashcard Printer

Forget wrestling with table layouts in a word processor. Select a topic, choose a cards-per-page layout, and instantly generate perfectly formatted, print-ready flashcard sheets.

Step 3: Saving and Collaborating

  • 💾 Export & Save Kit: This is your primary save function. It downloads the entire Kit (content, images, and all) to your computer as a single .json file. Use this to create permanent backups and share your work with others.
  • ➕ Import & Merge Kit: Combine your work. You can merge a colleague's Kit into your own or combine two of your lessons into a larger review Kit.

You're now ready to reclaim your time.

You're not just a teacher; you're a curriculum designer, and this is your Studio.

This page is an interactive visualization based on the Wikipedia article "Illegal aliens (Library of Congress Subject Heading)" (opens in new tab) and its cited references.

Text content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (opens in new tab). Additional terms may apply.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any kind of advice. The information is not a substitute for consulting official sources or records or seeking advice from qualified professionals.


Owned and operated by Artificial General Intelligence LLC, a Michigan Registered LLC
Prompt engineering done with Gracekits.com
All rights reserved
Sitemaps | Contact

Export Options





Study Guide: The Evolution of Library Subject Headings: The 'Illegal Aliens' Controversy

Study Guide: The Evolution of Library Subject Headings: The 'Illegal Aliens' Controversy

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) System

The Library of Congress Classification is a system used to describe the content of library resources, similar to subject headings.

Answer: False

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a distinct system used for organizing library materials by subject using alphanumeric codes, differing from subject headings which describe content.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The term "topical subject term" refers to a standardized label used for cataloging and retrieving information on a specific subject.

Answer: True

A 'topical subject term' is a standardized phrase or word used within a thesaurus, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, to represent the main subject of a resource for cataloging and retrieval.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

A "thesaurus" in information retrieval is a collection of unrelated terms used for broad searching.

Answer: False

In information retrieval, a thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary that lists terms and their relationships, used to standardize indexing and searching for improved accuracy, not a collection of unrelated terms.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The Library of Congress's subject heading system is primarily used by academic institutions, not public libraries.

Answer: False

The Library of Congress's subject heading system is widely used by academic and public libraries globally, providing a standardized framework for information organization and access.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The Library of Congress Classification system, mentioned in the source, is primarily used for what purpose?

Answer: To organize books and materials using alphanumeric codes based on subject.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 function of a "thesaurus" in the context of information retrieval, as described in the source?

Answer: A controlled vocabulary listing terms and their relationships to standardize indexing and searching.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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.

The Library of Congress's decision to make its subject heading change process publicly available signifies:

Answer: Increased transparency and accountability in its decision-making.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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.

History of the "Illegal Aliens" Heading

The Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) "Illegal aliens" was primarily designated for cataloging resources pertaining to legal immigration processes.

Answer: False

The Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) 'Illegal aliens' was designated as a topical term for cataloging resources pertaining to undocumented immigration, not legal immigration processes.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the primary purpose 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.

The subject heading "Illegal aliens" garnered significant political attention in the United States around 2015.

Answer: False

The subject heading 'Illegal aliens' garnered significant political attention in the United States in 2016, largely due to the Library of Congress's decision to revise it.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

In 2016, the Library of Congress decided to replace the "Illegal aliens" heading with "Undocumented immigrants" exclusively.

Answer: False

In 2016, the Library of Congress decided to revise the 'Illegal aliens' heading, intending to replace it with terms such as 'Noncitizens' and 'Unauthorized immigration,' not solely 'Undocumented immigrants'.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The subject heading "Illegal aliens" was initially established by the Library of Congress in 1993.

Answer: False

The subject heading 'Illegal aliens' was established in 1993, evolving from the earlier term 'Aliens, Illegal,' which was first introduced in 1980.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • 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.

The subject heading "Aliens, Illegal" was revised to "Illegal aliens" in the year 1980.

Answer: False

The subject heading 'Aliens, Illegal' was established in 1980. It was later revised to 'Illegal aliens' in 1993.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

In February 2015, the Library of Congress agreed to change the "Illegal aliens" heading, citing evolving language standards.

Answer: False

In February 2015, the Library of Congress initially declined to change the 'Illegal aliens' heading, citing the term's established use in resources like 'Black's Law Dictionary'.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The Library of Congress officially announced its decision to replace the "Illegal aliens" subject heading in March 2015.

Answer: False

The Library of Congress officially announced its decision to replace the 'Illegal aliens' subject heading in March 2016, following advocacy efforts and discussions.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 was the primary purpose of the Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) "Illegal aliens"?

Answer: To provide a standardized term for resources on undocumented immigration.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the primary purpose 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

In which year did the subject heading "Illegal aliens" become a focal point of significant political discussion in the U.S.?

Answer: 2016

Related Concepts:

  • 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 action did the Library of Congress decide to take regarding the "Illegal aliens" subject heading in 2016?

Answer: Revise it, intending to replace it with terms like "Noncitizens" and "Unauthorized immigration."

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • 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 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."

Which two headings were announced by the Library of Congress in March 2016 to replace the "Illegal aliens" group?

Answer: "Noncitizens" and "Unauthorized immigration"

Related Concepts:

  • 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." These changes aimed to update the cataloging terminology to be more precise.
  • 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 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.

When was the subject heading initially established by the Library of Congress, before being revised to "Illegal aliens"?

Answer: 1980

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • What was the primary purpose 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.
  • 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.

Why did the Library of Congress initially decline to change the "Illegal aliens" heading in February 2015?

Answer: Because sources like "Black's Law Dictionary" used the term.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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.
  • 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."

Advocacy and Activism for Terminology Change

The "Drop the I-Word" campaign was initiated by the Associated Press to encourage more precise language in reporting.

Answer: False

The 'Drop the I-Word' campaign was initiated in 2010 by the racial justice organization Race Forward, advocating against the use of 'illegal' for undocumented immigrants due to its dehumanizing, racially charged, and legally inaccurate connotations.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Student activists from Harvard University were the primary group requesting the change from "Illegal aliens" to "Undocumented immigrants."

Answer: False

Student activists from the Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality and DREAMers (CoFIRED) were the primary group requesting the change from 'Illegal aliens' to 'Undocumented immigrants'.

Related Concepts:

  • 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."

The American Library Association (ALA) passed a resolution in January 2016 characterizing "illegal aliens" as a potentially acceptable term.

Answer: False

In January 2016, the American Library Association Council passed a resolution characterizing the term 'illegal aliens' as 'dehumanizing, offensive, inflammatory, and even a racial slur,' urging its change.

Related Concepts:

  • 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."

The documentary film "Change the Subject" focuses on the activism of students at Yale University regarding library subject headings.

Answer: False

The documentary film 'Change the Subject' focuses on the activism of students at Dartmouth College regarding library subject headings, specifically the 'Illegal aliens' heading.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The Brooklyn Public Library produced an 11-minute video titled "Words That Hurt" discussing language impact.

Answer: True

The Brooklyn Public Library produced an 11-minute video titled 'Words That Hurt,' which addresses the impact of language, particularly concerning terminology used for individuals.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Which organization launched the "Drop the I-Word" campaign in 2010?

Answer: Race Forward

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Which group of student activists requested the Library of Congress change the heading to "Undocumented immigrants"?

Answer: The Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality and DREAMers (CoFIRED)

Related Concepts:

  • 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."
  • 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 characterization did the American Library Association Council apply to the term "illegal aliens" in their January 2016 resolution?

Answer: Dehumanizing, offensive, inflammatory, and potentially a racial slur

Related Concepts:

  • 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."
  • 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 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." These changes aimed to update the cataloging terminology to be more precise.

Linguistic and Ethical Dimensions of Terminology

In 2013, the Associated Press began using the term "illegal" to describe people who entered the country without authorization.

Answer: False

In 2013, the Associated Press revised its policy to use the term 'illegal' exclusively to describe an action, not a person, acknowledging that individuals cannot be 'illegal' in the same way actions can.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The term "dehumanizing" in relation to "Illegal aliens" suggests the label ignores the person's humanity by reducing them to a legal status.

Answer: True

The term 'dehumanizing,' when applied to 'Illegal aliens,' suggests that the label strips individuals of their identity and dignity by reducing them to a legal status rather than recognizing their inherent humanity.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The term "racially charged" implies that the use of "illegal" for people is often linked to specific racial or ethnic groups and prejudice.

Answer: True

The term 'racially charged' implies that the use of 'illegal' for people is frequently associated with specific racial or ethnic groups and carries connotations of prejudice or discrimination.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

From a legal perspective, applying the term "illegal" to a person is considered precise and accurate by most standards.

Answer: False

From a legal perspective, applying the term 'illegal' to a person is often considered imprecise, as illegality typically pertains to actions rather than the inherent status of an individual.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 change did the Associated Press implement in its style guide in 2013 concerning the word "illegal"?

Answer: It decided to use "illegal" only to describe an action, not a person.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The "Drop the I-Word" campaign argued that using "illegal" for immigrants was problematic because it was considered:

Answer: Dehumanizing, racially charged, and legally inaccurate.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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 does the term "legally inaccurate" imply about calling a person "illegal"?

Answer: It is imprecise because illegality typically applies to actions, not people themselves.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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.
  • 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.

Political and Legislative Interventions

Congressional intervention in the Library of Congress's decision regarding the "Illegal aliens" heading was unprecedented in U.S. history.

Answer: True

Congressional intervention in the Library of Congress's decision to revise the 'Illegal aliens' subject heading was unprecedented, marking the first instance of such interference in the determination of an LCSH.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Following the March 2016 announcement, Democratic lawmakers attempted to block the Library of Congress's revision of the "Illegal aliens" subject heading.

Answer: False

Following the March 2016 announcement, legislative efforts, including proposed bills and provisions in appropriations acts, were made to block the Library of Congress's revision of the 'Illegal aliens' subject heading.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

The House of Representatives' provision in the 2017 appropriations bill successfully mandated the Library of Congress retain the exact phrase "Illegal aliens."

Answer: False

The House of Representatives' provision in the 2017 appropriations bill required the Library of Congress to make its subject heading change process publicly available, though it did not mandate retaining the exact phrase 'Illegal aliens' without revision.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Braun praised the Library of Congress's 2021 subject heading changes as a necessary update.

Answer: False

Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Braun criticized the Library of Congress's 2021 subject heading changes, describing them as a 'politically-motivated and Orwellian attempt to manipulate and control language'.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Senators Cruz and Braun used the term "Orwellian" to suggest the Library of Congress was making neutral cataloging updates.

Answer: False

Senators Cruz and Braun used the term 'Orwellian' to suggest the Library of Congress was engaging in language manipulation and thought control, rather than making neutral cataloging updates.

Related Concepts:

  • 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 was unique about Congress's intervention concerning the "Illegal aliens" subject heading change?

Answer: It marked the first instance of Congressional interference in determining an LCSH.

Related Concepts:

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

Answer: It required the Library to make its subject heading change process publicly available, though not mandating the exact original wording.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Braun described the Library of Congress's 2021 subject heading changes as primarily:

Answer: A politically motivated and Orwellian manipulation of language.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Key Figures and Perspectives on Terminology

Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel believed that the concept of a human being being "illegal" was a valid legal classification.

Answer: False

Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel argued against the concept of a human being being 'illegal,' stating it was a contradiction and emphasizing inherent humanity over legal status.

Related Concepts:

  • Who is credited with popularizing the slogan "No human being is illegal," and what was the core sentiment behind it?: Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel popularized the slogan "No human being is illegal." His reasoning was that the concept of a human being being "illegal" is a contradiction in terms, emphasizing the inherent humanity of all individuals regardless of their legal status or circumstances.

Jose Antonio Vargas argued that the term "illegal" applied to people is accurate because laws govern actions.

Answer: False

Jose Antonio Vargas argued that the term 'illegal' applied to people is problematic, asserting that it is dehumanizing and marginalizing, and questioning the application of 'illegal' to individuals rather than actions.

Related Concepts:

  • 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?"

The slogan "No human being is illegal" was popularized by which individual?

Answer: Elie Wiesel

Related Concepts:

  • Who is credited with popularizing the slogan "No human being is illegal," and what was the core sentiment behind it?: Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel popularized the slogan "No human being is illegal." His reasoning was that the concept of a human being being "illegal" is a contradiction in terms, emphasizing the inherent humanity of all individuals regardless of their legal status or circumstances.

What was the core argument behind the slogan "No human being is illegal"?

Answer: The concept of a person being "illegal" is a contradiction, highlighting inherent humanity.

Related Concepts:

  • Who is credited with popularizing the slogan "No human being is illegal," and what was the core sentiment behind it?: Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel popularized the slogan "No human being is illegal." His reasoning was that the concept of a human being being "illegal" is a contradiction in terms, emphasizing the inherent humanity of all individuals regardless of their legal status or circumstances.

Jose Antonio Vargas argued that applying the term "illegal" to people is problematic because it is:

Answer: Dehumanizing and marginalizing.

Related Concepts:

  • 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?"
  • 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.

Subsequent Revisions and Ongoing Debates

Over fifty libraries and library systems have revised the "Illegal aliens" heading in their local catalogs.

Answer: False

Over forty libraries and library systems have revised the 'Illegal aliens' heading in their local catalogs, indicating a broad adoption of alternative terminology.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Harvard University revised its cataloging of the "Illegal aliens" heading in 2021.

Answer: True

Harvard University revised its cataloging of the 'Illegal aliens' heading in 2021, as did several other university libraries.

Related Concepts:

  • 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).

The Library of Congress announced a revision to immigration-related terms in November 2021, changing "Aliens" to "Noncitizens."

Answer: True

In November 2021, the Library of Congress announced revisions to immigration-related terms, changing 'Aliens' to 'Noncitizens' and 'Illegal aliens' to 'Illegal immigration'.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Some librarians agreed with the 2021 changes, believing that "Illegal immigration" fully resolved concerns about dehumanizing language.

Answer: False

Some librarians expressed criticism of the 2021 changes, arguing that the retention of 'illegal' in 'Illegal immigration' did not fully resolve concerns about dehumanizing language.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.

Approximately how many libraries and library systems had revised the "Illegal aliens" heading in their local catalogs by the time the source was compiled?

Answer: Over 40

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • 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." These changes aimed to update the cataloging terminology to be more precise.

Which of the following university libraries is mentioned as having revised its cataloging related to "illegal alien" by 2021?

Answer: Harvard University

Related Concepts:

  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

In its November 2021 revision, the Library of Congress replaced "Illegal aliens" with which new heading?

Answer: "Illegal immigration"

Related Concepts:

  • 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 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." These changes aimed to update the cataloging terminology to be more precise.
  • 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.

What criticism did some librarians voice regarding the 2021 subject heading changes, specifically concerning "Illegal immigration"?

Answer: The change did not go far enough, as the word "illegal" remained attached to the concept.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • 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 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 was the primary criticism some librarians had regarding the 2021 change from "Illegal aliens" to "Illegal immigration"?

Answer: The change did not go far enough, as the word "illegal" remained attached to the concept.

Related Concepts:

  • 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.
  • 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 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."

Home | Sitemaps | Contact | Terms | Privacy