Manitoba Archival Information Network - Library of Congress Subject Heading (MAIN-LCSH) Working Group 

The MAIN-LCSH Working Group was struck in 2013 for the purpose of  devising and implementing a strategy to replace Library of Congress Subject Headings in the Manitoba Archival Information Network that are considered culturally insensitive, specifically those terms pertaining to Manitoba’s Indigenous Peoples, with terms that more accurately reflect the identity of Manitoba’s Indigenous Peoples.  The MAIN-LCSH Working Group is partnership between members of Manitoba’s archival and library communities, and once it has completed its work it will be dissolved. 

The MAIN-LCSH Working Group is responsible for:

• Devising and implementing a strategy to replace Library of Congress Subject Headings in the Manitoba Archival Information Network that are considered culturally insensitive, specifically those terms pertaining to Manitoba’s Indigenous Peoples, with terms that more accurately reflect the identity of Manitoba’s Indigenous Peoples
  
• Ensuring that the AMA does not perpetuate the culturally insensitive legacy of these LCSH via the descriptions in MAIN
  
• Ensuring that the archival descriptions in MAIN remain highly searchable and discoverable by using standardized subject terminology
  

What does this mean in terms of workload:

• Receiving reports from the Chair of the Management Committee on decisions made by the Board related to LCSH in MAIN
  
• Making recommendations to the Management Committee on the design, development and implementation of a strategy to replace culturally insensitive LCSH in MAIN with more appropriate terminology
  
• Presenting Working Group findings or proposals in-person to the Management Committee when further clarification is required
  
• Frequently consulting with the local Indigenous community, particularly prior to finalizing any decisions made by the Working Group that are to be brought to the Management Committee for approval