The biomedical model of disability and academic library classification

Ableism in society is reinforced through models of how disability is defined and stereotypes that stem from the ideologies that comprise those models. These stereotypes are reinforced by repetition though language both spoken and codified within social and informational constructs, including the classification and organization systems of academic libraries. While it is becoming more prevalent to redress problematic library language and classification generally, language related specifically to disability has not been as widely addressed. In addition, while this issue is discussed in cataloging and archiving literature, it may not be as well known among academic librarians in public services roles. This work proposes that the placement and language of disability within library classification systems is due in part to the biomedical model of disability, which impacts how society constructs disability and the disabled. Drawn from the literature and from the United States Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification Outline, this in-depth review and content analysis highlights specific examples of ableism drawn from the biomedical model and suggests changes in this context. • The biomedical model presents disability as something abnormal in need of cure • Language reflects and reinforces the biomedical model in academic library systems • Evidence exists in the Library of Congress subject headings and their organization • Methods to address language include reparative cataloging and statements of bias • The disabled community should inform changes in academic library language