St. Jerome's University Library

St. Jerome’s University Library’s Statement on Language in Archival Records 

St. Jerome’s University Library holds archival records which document our evolution as an institution and our historical association with the Congregation of the Resurrection, of which our founder, the Reverend Dr. Louis Funcken, was a member.   

St. Jerome’s University is a public Roman Catholic university, federated with the University of Waterloo. Although our archives are separate from the University of Waterloo’s Special Collections & Archives, we share a common approach in our treatment of archival records. 

Like the University of Waterloo’s Special Collection & Archives, the St. Jerome’s University Library recognizes that records held in historical archival collections may contain: 

“…instances of racism, sexism, ableism or other forms of discrimination, today considered inappropriate and harmful.” (University of Waterloo, Special Collections & Archives, 2020). 

The St. Jerome’s Library understands that such content may be upsetting to those using our collection; however, we believe that maintaining the integrity of our collection is essential for researchers seeking to critically understand the historical context of a given time and place.  In addition, we believe that the identification of known instances of problematic language or imagery in our collection provide a meaningful pathway towards reconciliation.  To that end, the St. Jerome’s Library will make every effort to: 

“...name and acknowledge readily apparent instances of discrimination, on a case by case basis.” (University of Waterloo, Special Collections & Archives, 2020). 

Researchers who have encountered records containing problematic language or imagery in our collection are encouraged to contact us so that we may improve the management of our archival records. 

References: 

University of Waterloo. Special Collections & Archives. Language in archival descriptions changes.  (2020, October 1). Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/library/special-collections-archives/news/language-archival-descriptions-changes