Queering archival metadata? The discoverability of queer collections in GLAM institutions and universities in Aotearoa New Zealand

Purpose Although queer activism played a significant role in effecting legislative and social change, queer collections remain a negligible part of local, regional and national cultural heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand. The discoverability of these materials raises additional descriptive and metadata complexities, particularly with the classification and description systems currently in use, including the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). This research investigates these issues in galleries, libraries, archives, museums and universities (GLAMU) across Aotearoa New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach This research was part of a larger project by the author investigating the queer collecting and donating landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand's GLAMU institutions. Using a qualitative approach, the author conducted a survey and interviews with information professionals working in roles involving archives, cultural heritage and/or special collections. The survey received 33 responses from institutions and 32 interviews were conducted with information professionals. Because the survey and interviews were designed to collect data for the larger project, this paper uses only data from questions specific to queer metadata and description. Findings For institutions holding queer materials, there was little consistency in applying queer metadata, particularly for general terms. If and how to identify a person and the use of appropriate metadata were particular concerns. Reparative description emerged as an area of interest but was not deemed an institutional priority. The lack of appropriate queer metadata and description affects the discovery and representation of queer communities in local, regional and national narratives. Originality/value This research has emphasised the need for metadata and description to appropriately reflect the fluidity of Aotearoa New Zealand's queer communities. Suggestions for improving institutional discovery and access include applying a queer-controlled vocabulary to support appropriate metadata use as an element of a reparative description initiative. Collaborating with queer communities on community-generated metadata and description could help address identification concerns and facilitate discovery of queer materials.