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Harmful, offensive, or discredited library materials: Statement from the Bioscience, Natural Resources & Public Health Library

Harmful, offensive, or discredited library materials

The Bioscience, Natural Resources & Public Health Library acknowledges the existence of discredited and harmful content in physical and electronic materials included in its collection. Some materials may contain language or images that users find inappropriate, offensive, or harmful; may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions; or may contain information derived through harmful and abhorrent actions. Such language, views, and methods are inconsistent with the Library’s commitment to creating an inclusive, open, accessible, and anti-racist learning community. Scientific understanding evolves over time, through critical analysis of new information and scrutiny of past work. Historical items have been retained to preserve the completeness of the scientific record.

We also acknowledge that the language used to describe some materials in databases and library catalogs can also be outdated and offensive. The University Library and other institutions are advocating for changes and taking steps wherever we can to remediate this language.

If you have questions or comments, please contact bios@library.berkeley.edu.

Questions or comments

For help, please contact:

Marian Koshland Bioscience, Natural Resources and Public Health Library
bios@library.berkeley.edu