Content warnings
Content warnings are used to highlight potentially harmful or challenging content within Library collections.
Their purpose is to support and encourage informed engagement with materials, rather than discourage access or use. By applying content warnings, the Library acknowledges the presence of harmful language, images, or other potentially damaging content and seeks to provide users with appropriate context. A consistent approach and clear process have been established to guide the application of these warnings.
Library Working Group
To oversee this work, a Library Working Group was established in May 2024. The group coordinates the consideration and implementation of content warnings and manages the related activities across the Library. Its work supports the Library's broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the creation of more inclusive collections and services.
Why are content warnings important?
A content warning is a brief statement placed at the front of an item, collection, or catalogue that alerts and advises readers to potentially sensitive content in a book or collection. These statements allow people the opportunity to prepare themselves, in an informed way, to engage with a given piece of material.
It is important to note that content warnings are not intended to censor or discourage readers from accessing or reading a book; rather they are meant to provide readers with the information they need to make an informed decision about their reading choices.
Our approach to content warnings is being shaped in consultation with curators, metadata specialists, cataloguers, teaching, learning and student officer for Widening Participation and student union representatives.
Content Warning Policy
Application
Throughout our online collections you may see content warnings; due to the extent of our holdings we cannot apply content warnings to every item that may include problematic language or terminology.
Feedback
Contacting the Library about problematic content.
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