The Prejudices and Antipathies of Art

Abstract

While neutrality was one of the original tenants of the Library of Congress Classification System (LCC) and its subject headings (LCSH), both are centered in white, male, Eurocentric power structures. How can art librarians with instruction responsibilities intervene so their patrons know they are working with a biased system? After investigating how the LCC Fine Arts range privileges white, male, European art over art made by women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists by favoring fine art over craft, this article discusses a thirty-minute lesson plan that introduces students to these inherent biases within LCC. [This article is a revision of a paper presented during the 50th annual ARLIS/NA conference held in Chicago, Illinois, in April 2022.]