Merrilee Proffitt

Backlogs and beyond: AI in primary cataloging workflows

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt - 1 Comment

Facing cataloging backlogs, legacy metadata issues, and language challenges, libraries are exploring how AI may offer practical support—while keeping human expertise central.

A close-up view of a keyboard illuminated by vibrant, multicolored LED backlighting. The keys display a range of bright hues, including red, green, blue, and purple, creating a striking contrast against the dark background. The focus is on specific keys, such as "Alt" and symbols, with the lighting emphasizing their contours and making them visually prominent. The scene conveys a modern and tech-oriented aesthetic.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Metadata / Research Library Partnership

Artificial intelligence to support metadata workflows: an OCLC RLP working group

May 14, 2025October 10, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

Discover how an OCLC RLP working group is exploring the power of AI to streamline workflows, tackle backlogs, and enhance collection descriptions. This work includes exploring key challenges, best practices, and ethical approaches to integrating AI into metadata management.

Silver skeleton keys on a brown wooden table

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) / Metadata / Renovating Descriptive Practice / Research Library Partnership

Reimagine Descriptive Workflows in the UK and Ireland: An OCLC RLP community-informed discussion

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

OCLC RLP convenings illuminate how UK and Irish libraries are reimagining descriptive workflows to create welcoming spaces for all users.

Close up of a droplet of water on a leaf.

Archives and Special Collections / Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 1 April 2025

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: building spaces of solidarity and connection; recommendations for gender identity in archival descriptions; inclusivity to support psychologically safe environments.

Woman stands in front of a colorful tapestry reading a book.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 18 March 2025

March 18, 2025July 9, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: Women’s History Month; elders in libraries; research on diversity in librarianship; ALA President shares experience with autism.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 4 March 2025

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: DEI-related presentations from Core Interest Group Week; axe-con 2025, a free online accessibility conference; “neo-censorship” of digital content.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 18 February 2025

February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: Earliest known African American cookbook; WebJunction webinar on neuroinclusive library workplaces; documentaries focus on libraries.

A digital graphic features a collage of book covers related to African American librarianship. The central focus is a white rectangular box with bold black text that reads 'HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIBRARIANS.' To the left, a vertical purple bar contains the text 'KNOW MORE: WORLDCAT.ORG.' The book covers in the background display a mix of colors, typography, and imagery, including historical photographs, decorative patterns, and illustrations.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 4 February 2025

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: Black History Month and Black librarians; 2025 Day of Remembrance; the facts about book bans.

Sign in shop window printed on burlap fabric: "Come in, we're open and awesome".

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 21 January 2025

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: Best Practices for Queer Metadata; Libraries, Integration, and New Americans Project; Safe Routes and StoryWalk® blend together at the DC Public Library.

Silhouettes of flying birds against an orange sky.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 7 January 2025

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: IFLA guidelines for serving displaced persons; standing up for US libraries; Binghamton University honored for work in diversity and inclusion.