Reimagining Descriptive Workflows: building institutional capacity through collaborative approaches at Manchester and Leeds universities

Following on from OCLC RLP discussions with institutions in the UK and Ireland, this series examines how libraries and archives can transform their descriptive practices to reflect the communities they serve.

Presenters

• Elly Cope, Head of Access and Acquisitions, University of Leeds
• Ceilan Hunter-Green, Metadata and Discovery Manager, University of Leeds
• Kathryn Sullivan, Head of Metadata and Discovery, University of Manchester
   

Abstract

Transforming descriptive practices requires more than good intentions—it demands strategic planning, institutional support, and practical implementation frameworks that can be sustained over time. This webinar explores how two universities are building capacity for inclusive metadata work through collaborative approaches, staff development, and systematic policy integration.

Kathryn Sullivan from the University of Manchester will share insights from their 18-month journey developing feedback mechanisms for their catalog, including the creation of public-facing statements that contextualize why research libraries hold challenging materials. She'll demonstrate practical approaches to content warnings, discuss their philosophy of adding context rather than removing problematic historical language, and supporting staff through institutional change.

Ceilan Hunter-Green and Elly Cope from the University of Leeds will present their innovative cross-institutional working group model that brings together representatives from cataloging, archives, special collections, and research services. They'll explore their "one library" approach to ensuring metadata consistency across different collection types, strategies for engaging with the broader metadata supply chain, and methods for securing leadership support and adequate resourcing for inclusive description work.

Key topics will include:

• Developing sustainable feedback mechanisms and user reporting systems for harmful language in catalogs
• Creating cross-departmental working groups that unite different library teams around shared metadata goals
• Building institutional confidence through targeted pilot projects and realistic time estimation
• Crafting transparent public communications that contextualize library collecting practices and values
• Integrating inclusive metadata principles into comprehensive policy frameworks across the institution
• Navigating the practical challenges of AI adoption in metadata work whilst maintaining ethical standards
• Making successful business cases to senior management for resourcing reparative description efforts

Both presentations will demonstrate that meaningful change requires sustained institutional commitment, collaborative structures, and practical tools that can be adapted to different organizational contexts. From Manchester's methodical approach to workflow development to Leeds's innovative cross-team collaboration model, attendees will gain actionable strategies for building the internal capacity necessary to support ongoing inclusive metadata work.

This session is ideal for metadata managers, cataloging coordinators, library administrators, and anyone responsible for building institutional capacity around inclusive description practices. It will be particularly valuable for those seeking to move beyond individual projects toward systematic, sustainable approaches to transforming descriptive workflows.