Fact or Folklore? An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework to Cataloguing Indigenous Knowledge

ABSTRACT

This research-in-practice paper examines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges are catalogued within Australian libraries. This paper will outline why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges are not folktales and will argue against the use of the Library of Congress Subject Heading Folklore. This paper will explore the ways in which the University of Queensland Library have developed a culturally nuanced and holistic approach to cataloguing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges that engages Indigenous ways of organising, accessing and using information. This paper highlights the need for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cataloguers and urges libraries to examine their own practices to build more accurate representations of the communities they serve.

KEYWORDS:

• Cataloguing
• critical librarianship
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Library of Congress Subject Headings

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge the lands on which I live and work. I pay my respects to the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands, the seas, and the skies. I pay my respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country, and recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society. I also acknowledge the work and support of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services and Collections team, and I pay my respects to our Ancestors and the lands that carry our songlines.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Raelee Lancaster

Raelee Lancaster is a library professional and writer based in Brisbane. Raised on Awabakal Country in Newcastle, New South Wales, Raelee is descended from the Wiradjuri and Biripi Peoples.