The University Libraries provides access to millions of items through its many digital platforms, including, but not limited to, Penn State Digital Collections and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Archive.
Librarians, archivists, and subject experts collect materials from history, as well as artifacts from many cultures and time periods, to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, some of the materials presented in our collections may reflect outdated, biased, offensive, and possibly violent views and opinions. In addition, some collection materials relate to, and/or depict, violent or graphic events, which are preserved for their historical significance.
What potentially sensitive content may be found in the collections at the University Libraries?
Some items may:
- include graphic content such as violence, sexual content, medical procedures, crime, war/terrorist acts, natural disasters and more
- include racist, sexist, misogynistic, and xenophobic opinions, attitudes, and/or stereotypes
- be discriminatory towards or exclude diverse views on gender, disability, religion, sexuality and more
Why does the University Libraries make sensitive content available?
The University Libraries and its partners collect, preserve, and present these materials as part of the historic record, which does include depictions and records of people experiencing trauma and harm. Librarians and archivists working in conjunction with technical services and collection development specialists seek to balance the preservation of this history with sensitivity to how these materials are presented to, and perceived by, users.
Language and the Description of Libraries Materials
Penn State University Libraries is committed to the timely and efficient description of materials while maintaining an awareness of the harm caused by language reflecting outdated, biased, offensive, and possibly violent views and opinions. When describing resources, we strive to help people find the resources that they seek. For more information on our descriptive practices, please see our Statement on Inclusive Description in the University Libraries Collections.
How is the University Libraries working to alert people about sensitive content?
Examples include:
- Providing adequate context in our descriptions and systems to alert users before they access a digital object.
- Researching the problem, listening to users, experimenting with solutions, and sharing our findings with each other.
- Evaluating existing policies for exclusionary practices and institutional biases that prioritize one culture and/or group over another.
- Collaborating with other institutions and organizations engaged in this work to broaden the reach of our efforts.
- Making an institutional commitment to DEIAB (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging).
How can I make a report?
If you wish to make a statement of concern regarding any material, space, art, material description, etc., please contact any Penn State Libraries location.
It is the position of Penn State University Libraries that civil, rigorous, academic discussion and the exchange of ideas and viewpoints are the essence of what is protected as academic freedom. Penn State University Libraries weigh potential harm against considerations such as accurate preservation of the historical record, professional best practices, and allocation of scarce resources.
For information on our archival collections, see also Statement on More Inclusive Archival Collections.