Canadian Solutions
It is possible for the Library of Congress to collect and catalogue works about the topics discussed on the previous page without creating a new specific subject heading. However, since these topics and many others like them are determined to be of importance to Canadian life and culture, Library and Archives Canada has created Canadian Subject Headings for each.
- Polar Bear Swim, Vancouver, B.C.
- Nootka Sound Controversy, 1789-1794.
- Civil Service Strike, Ont., 1996.
- Moose River Gold Mine Disaster, Moose River Gold Mines, N.S., 1936.
- Pacific Scandal, 1873.
- Montréal École Polytechnique Women Students Massacre, Montréal, Québec, 1989.
- Girl Guides--Canada.
- Registered Retirement Savings Plans.
- Newfoundlanders.
- National Energy Program (Canada).
There are a few key topics and themes for which there are inadequate headings in LCSH. These are the areas that the Canadian Subject Headings focuses on.
Indigenous/Native Peoples
The Library of Congress prefers the heading Indians of North America to refer to all indigenous people in Canada, United States, and Mexico. But not all indigenous people are Indians. In Canada, there are Inuit (Eskimos), Aleuts, and Metis. In the U.S. there are native people in Alaska and Hawaii who are not Indians.
In Canada, subject headings must represent three native groups: 1) the Inuit, 2) those nations or tribal groups traditionally referred to as Indians or First Nations, and 3) the Metis, Canadians of mixed Indian and white ancestry. These three groups have been assigned the following headings:
- Inuit--Canada. Works on the native people of the Canadian Arctic who call themselves Inuit.
- Indians of North America--Canada. Works discussing collectively Canadian Indians or First Nations. (Works limited to particular tribes or Indian peoples are entered under the appropriate heading, e.g. Cree Indians.)
- Metis. Works on Canadians of mixed Indian and white ancestry.
In 1992, CSH introduced the heading Native peoples--Canada to address the need for a heading referring to the three Canadian groups of native or aboriginal ancestry when discussed together collectively. The heading Native peoples--Canada is the preferred heading for First nations--Canada, Aboriginal peoples--Canada, and Indigenous peoples--Canada [10].
Different Uses of Words
When certain terminology differs between the U.S. and Canada, LCSH headings that use these words can pose a problem for Canadian material. For example, LCSH uses the heading State libraries, whereas CSH has created a heading for Provincial libraries. And LCSH uses Cabinet officers and CSH has created the heading Cabinet ministers.
Literature
LCSH uses the headings Canadian literature and French-Canadian literature. These are misleading and inaccurate. The heading Canadian literature is supposed to imply English-language literature in Canada, even though literature in French written in Canada would be considered Canadian literature. This is another example of exception, Hope Olsen's first "negative bias" in LCSH (citation). CSH has created headings to better represent Canadian literature.
- Canadian literature. General collections of Canadian literature not limited to literature in a particular language, of a particular time period, or in a particular literary form.
- Canadian literature (English). Canadian literature in the English language.
- Canadian literature (French). Canadian literature in the French language.
Other Subject Areas
Besides the topics above, the Canadian Subject Headings also focus on several other subject areas:
Topical: Hudson's Bay blankets.
History: Canada--History--Seven Years' War, 1755-1763.
Government: Prime ministers--Canada--Staff.
Geography: Malaspina Inlet (B.C.)
Social and economic history: Canadian provinces--Social policy
The legal system: Uniform provincial laws--Canada.
Canada's approach to second languages: French language--Study and teaching as a second language.
Bilingualism and multiculturalism: Bilingual schools--Canada.
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