Enhancing Inclusive Bibliographic Data: A Study of Disability Terminology in the Subject Headings of the National Library of Indonesia
This study aims to examine the use and structure of disability-related subject headings in the National Library of Indonesia's controlled vocabulary system (Juliana) in relation to principles of inclusivity and bibliographic justice. The research adopts a qualitative content analysis approach to evaluate how disability terminology is applied in subject headings and metadata structures, referencing both the Juliana system and the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). The analysis focuses on four disability categories as defined by Indonesian Law No. 8 of 2016: physical, intellectual, mental, and sensory disabilities.
Findings reveal that while the National Library has made progressive efforts to adopt inclusive terms such as Persons with Disabilities, Tunadaksa (physical disability), and Tunanetra (blind), several stigmatizing and outdated terms such as Cacat Jiwa (mental handicap) and Sakit Mental (mentally ill) are still present in the system. Furthermore, many subject headings lack comprehensive semantic structures, including broader terms, narrower terms, and related terms, limiting their descriptive and retrieval functions.
These challenges underscore the need to situate cataloging reform within the broader framework of Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC), a principle developed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) that promotes the global availability of bibliographic data through nationally coordinated efforts. In the context of Juliana, aligning subject headings with UBC not only facilitates international interoperability and standardization but also ensures that local terminologies evolve in ways that are culturally sensitive, socially inclusive, and ethically grounded.
The study concludes that metadata systems in libraries are not neutral but serve as symbolic instruments that reflect and shape social values. Strengthening semantic relationships, replacing stigmatizing terms with rights-based alternatives, and involving the disability community in vocabulary development are key strategies toward building a more inclusive and equitable bibliographic infrastructure.
Keywords: disability terminology, subject headings, Universal Bibliographic Control, inclusive metadata, National Library of Indonesia
Jessica 🦕
Violet Fox 🦊
NLISN
