Homosaurus Training Videos
This resource list compiles videos with specific use case scenarios, practical training, and suggestions for the implementation of Homosaurus by a cataloger. This list and the video content will be helpful if you already have a background in cataloging, Alma/Primo, and controlled vocabularies.
The resource videos were compiled and annotated by the members of the ULC standing group, UMSILS and the Cataloging Standing Group.
Introducing The Homosaurus: A Linked Data Vocabulary for the LGBTQ+ Community
Amber Billey (she/her), Bard College, 2021
This presentation provides a history and overview of Homosaurus, as well as background on what a controlled vocabulary is more generally. Examples from LCSH and Homosaurus are provided for concepts and topics and are shown in both MARC and Dublin Core records. The presentation provides some best practices and recommendations.
Cataloging with the Homosaurus: Who, What, When, Why, and How
Jay L. Colbert (he/him), University of New Hampshire, 2021
This presentation outlines instances when a cataloger may choose to use Homosaurus and how to implement the vocabulary. Specific use case training begins at 10 mins and outlines when to use sex or gender, LGBTQ v Queer, when to use slang, etc. There is a LGBTQ Hierarchy display example at 25:38 and Colbert addresses outdated/offensive terms at minute 33 with an example display. At minute 49 Colbert addresses the lack of subdivisions in Homosaurus. Colbert provides a Zotero library with Homosaurus resources and his github repository with the presentation.. Audience questions are dispersed through the presentation.
Using Homosaurus in a Public Library Consortium
Rachel K Fischer (she/hers), Cooperative Computer Services, 2021
20 min video presentation & Slides
This presentation explains what Homosaurus is and how it is used within the CCS Public Library System. The presentation shows how patrons search, how CCS decided on implementing Homosaurus, and details the local practices and usage in their catalog. Slide 20 shows a sample MARC authority record and the Homosaurus record. The presentation includes an additional list of resources, including the CSS Cataloging Manual and Terry Reese’s documentation on using MarcEdit to convert Homosaurus records into MARC authority records.
Use of Homosaurus at U Kentucky Libraries
Adrian Williams (they/them), University of Kentucky, 2021
This second half of this video covers the use of Homosaurus as an alternative controlled vocabulary at the University of Kentucky (staring at 33:09). The presentation details retrospective projects to enhance MARC records and the use of a more analog approach since it is not always possible to map terms from LCSH to Homosaurus as a batch process. The projects updated records containing terms like “non-monogamous relationships” and “sexual minorities”.
Homosaurus FAQs
What is Homosaurus?
The Homosaurus is an international linked data vocabulary of LGBTQ terms that supports improved access to LGBTQ resources within cultural institutions. Designed to serve as a companion to broad subject term vocabularies, the Homosaurus is a robust and cutting-edge vocabulary of LGBTQ-specific terminology that enhances the discoverability of LGBTQ resources. [source]
Why should I use Homosaurus?
Including Homosaurus terms enhances discoverability of LGBTQ+ resources and provides users with search terms that may be more familiar than those in LCSH.
Who can add Homosaurus terms to records?
Anyone who is cataloging a resource and has appropriate OCLC editing permissions can add Homosaurus terms to a bibliographic record.
What MARC fields can I add Homosaurus terms to?
Homorsaurus terms can be added to both the 650 – Subject Added Entry – Topical Term and 655 – Index Term – Genre/Form fields. When using Homosaurus terms make sure to:
- Use second indicator 7.
- Specify the source by adding $2 homoit to the field.
- Add the URI for the term in $0. URI can be found at the top of the page for each term ex. LGBTQ+ people (https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0000915)
What are some examples of Homosaurus terms in MARC records?
035 ##$a(OCoLC)1264402166
100 1#$aDarwin, Helana, $eauthor.
245 10$aRedoing gender : $bhow nonbinary gender contributes toward social change / $cHelana Darwin.
264 #1$aCham, Switzerland : $bPalgrave Macmillan, $c[2022]
264 #4$c©2022
….
650 #7$aNon-binary people. $2homoit
035 ##$a15828539
100 1#$aKobabe, Maia, $eauthor, $eartist.
245 10$aGender queer : $ba memoir / $cby Maia Kobabe ; colors by Phoebe Kobabe.
264 #1$aPortland, OR : $bOni Press, $c[2020]
264 #4$c©2022
….
650 #7$aNon-binary people. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0001048
650 #7$aNon-binary identity. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0001920
650 #7$aLGBTQ+ youth. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0001521
650 #7$aGender identity. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0000571
650 #7$aGender dysphoria. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0000567
650 #7$aGender euphoria. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0002256
….
655 #7$aLGBTQ+ autobiographies. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0001729
655 #7$aLGBTQ+ graphic novels. $2homoit $0https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0000874
035 ##$a(OCoLC)1263248483
100 1#$aPunchard, Philippa, $eauthor.
264 #1$aLondon ; $aPhiladelphia : $bJessica Kingsley Publishers, $c2022.
264 #4$c©2022
245 10$aGender pioneers : $ba celebration of transgender, non-binary and intersex icons / $cPhilippa Punchard ; illustrated by Philippa Punchard ; foreword by Christine Burns, MBE.
….
650 #7$aLGBTQ+ people. $2homoit
650 #7$aNon-binary people. $2homoit
….
655 #7$aTransgender biographies. $2homoit
655 #7$aLGBTQ+ biographies. $2homoit
How has Homosaurus been used at other institutions?
Homosaurus is used to supplement LCSH subject headings to provide greater discoverability for resources on LGBTQ+ related topics. See the video presentation links above for information about specific projects at libraries, including retrospective cataloging.
Should I add URIs to Homosaurus fields?
Yes, adding URIs to fields with Homosaurus terms helps with authority control and makes the terms more linked data compatible. Use subfield $0 to record URI. Each term’s URI can be found on the Homosaurus web page for that term. For example, LGBTQ+ people (https://homosaurus.org/v3/homoit0000915)
What tools are available to help me add Homosaurus terms?
- Search for terms via the Homosaurus website
- Homosaurus macros for Connexion
- Jay Colbert Zotero Library with Homosaurus resources
Are Homosaurus terms in bib records automatically updated?
Although the Homosaurus vocabulary is updated regularly, the updates are not automatically pushed out to bibliographic records in OCLC. Including URIs in fields using Homosaurus terms can enable easier updating workflows.
Do OCLC and/or Alma provide authority control for Homosaurus terms?
Neither OCLC nor Alma currently provide authority control for Homosaurus terms. Including URIs in fields using Homosaurus terms can enable easier updating workflows.
How is the Homosaurus vocabulary maintained?
The Homosaurus Editorial Board oversees the upkeep of the vocabulary and will consider all proposed terms and changes on a quarterly basis. Suggestions for new or updated terms can be provided via their Contact Form.
Should I use Homosaurus terms instead of LCSH?
Homosaurus is designed to be used alongside a broader controlled vocabulary like LCSH. Homosaurus provides more robust and current LGBTQ+-related terminology which can help enhance discovery of these records.
How can I get Homosaurus terms to display in Primo?
The Alliance Norm Rules Standing Group (NRSG) has developed Local Field 47 (Non-LCSH, Non-MeSH Subjects) for Primo VE. This field is designed to display Homosaurus subject terms along with several other alternative subject vocabularies. Information on this field’s contents and how to implement it in your Primo VE instance can be found here.
The Alliance Norm Rules Standing Group (NRSG) has added Homosaurus form/genre terms to the central rule for local genre terms (Local field 78). Information on this field’s contents and how to implement it in your Primo VE instance can be found here.
Should I add Homosaurus terms to the OCLC or Alma record?
In accordance with Alliance policy Use of OCLC and Record Identifiers, members should use OCLC as their primary bibliographic utility and thus should add Homosaurus terms to OCLC records.