[Eril-l] STARTS NEXT WEEK: Core Webinar: From Thin to Thick Library Description

Electronic Resources in Libraries discussion list eril-l at lists.eril-l.org
Tue Oct 21 05:00:00 PDT 2025


*Cross posted to multiple lists*

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Core Webinar: From Thin to Thick Library Description

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

All webinars are one hour in length and begin at 11 am Pacific, noon
Mountain, 1 pm Central, and 2 pm Eastern time.



Description:

This talk explores how libraries can apply Appiah's "thick translation"
theory to enhance library description practices. Descriptive practices
often still engage in "thin translation" that may strip away essential
cultural context. This presentation demonstrates how thick translation
principles can be implemented using MARC fields for cultural context notes.
It walks through a specific implementation of thick cataloging practices,
whose intent is to preserve the integrity and context of diverse knowledge
traditions.

Learning outcomes:

The session introduces the applying concepts of thick translation to
library description practices. It explains how these practices restore
cultural context and support more inclusive approaches when applied to
library description.

Attendees will be able to:

   -

   define “thick translation” and its application to cataloging.
   -

   distinguish between thin and thick descriptive practices.
   -

   identify MARC fields that support cultural context.
   -

   evaluate strategies for preserving diverse knowledge traditions.
   -

   apply thick cataloging principles through case examples, appreciating
   limits on cataloging time


Who should attend?

People involved with material descriptions MARC or non-MARC. This talk
recommends and demonstrates changes that can be made to description
practices.

Presenters:

Sarah Theimer (MLS- University of Maryland, MALS - University of New
Hampshire) is an Associate Professor and Description and Discovery Strategy
Librarian at the University of New Hampshire. Her research explores the
intersections of cataloging, learning theory, and professional practice.

*****************

Registration fees for webinar:  Core Member $57.85; ALA member: $80.10;
Student member $44.50; Non-member $89.00

For additional information and access to registration links, please go to
the following website:
https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1571

Core webinars are recorded and registrants receive a link to the recording
shortly following the live event.

For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration by calling
1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration at ala.org.

For all other questions or comments related to Core webinars, please
contact Core CE staff at corece at ala.org.

*Posted on behalf of the Core Continuing Education Committee.*
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