As library systems increasingly rely on shared and AI-mediated metadata, there is growing concern that current metadata practices do not consistently support accurate representation, reduce unintended bias, or reflect the needs of diverse communities. ELUNA members have noted that this work is uneven across institutions and lacks shared guidance and professional support. This session will present results from a January 2026 ELUNA community survey and facilitate discussion on forming a new Special Interest Group focused on Inclusive Metadata Practices. The proposed SIG would provide a forum for sharing practical approaches, coordinating peer learning, and developing educational programming related to inclusive description, bias in metadata and AI-driven use of metadata, data privacy and sovereignty, and sustainable metadata workflows. It would also support staff undertaking this work with limited institutional backing. The session will assess community interest and determine whether there is sufficient momentum to formally launch the SIG.
DEI Special Interest Group
None/General
Better understand how colleagues across institutions are navigating questions of representation, metadata quality, and algorithmic effects in Ex Libris products.
Help assess the need, potential scope, and long-term value of a community-driven SIG.
Contribute to shaping shared priorities for future discussions, documentation, and training.
20260429T161520260429T1700America/Los_AngelesCommunity Forum on Inclusive Discovery and Metadata PracticesAs library systems increasingly rely on shared and AI-mediated metadata, there is growing concern that current metadata practices do not consistently support accurate representation, reduce unintended bias, or reflect the needs of diverse communities. ELUNA members have noted that this work is uneven across institutions and lacks shared guidance and professional support. This session will present results from a January 2026 ELUNA community survey and facilitate discussion on forming a new Special Interest Group focused on Inclusive Metadata Practices. The proposed SIG would provide a forum for sharing practical approaches, coordinating peer learning, and developing educational programming related to inclusive description, bias in metadata and AI-driven use of metadata, data privacy and sovereignty, and sustainable metadata workflows. It would also support staff undertaking this work with limited institutional backing. The session will assess community interest and determine whether there is sufficient momentum to formally launch the SIG.Silver LakeEx Libris Knowledge Days and ELUNA Conference 2026eluna-conf-planning@exlibrisusers.org
