SEI Inclusive Language Guide
SEI recognizes that some terms and jargon used to describe workflows and practices in IT, digital stewardship, digital collections, and digital libraries may have layers of meaning, multiple connotations, and can perpetuate biased and harmful language.
SEI is committed to creating and supporting inclusive, diverse, and equitable communities of practice and our language should reflect that. We have reviewed our public-facing website and internal project documentation and edited the language to be more inclusive.
During the SEI workshop, we invite SEI team members, attendees, and instructors to consider using inclusive terms in lieu of traditional terms where appropriate. We invite attendees and instructors to offer additional examples of non-inclusive terms and potential replacements at any time. We also recognize that there may be times where some language used by vendor software, external systems, and existing standards may perpetuate outdated terminology.
We ask the SEI community to be forgiving of us and each other as we all work to break old habits.
Please note: This guide does not address inclusive language in descriptive metadata.
Discussing People
When referring to specific people, use their pronouns. Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible in examples and user stories. Do your best to research specific individuals or communities and use the identity language they prefer. For example, we recommend using “people first language,” such as “people with disabilities” whenever possible, although some individuals may prefer disability first language. Avoid ableist language, especially in idioms and metaphors.
Please note: The use of the term “master” or “mastery” may be considered appropriate in some cultural heritage contexts. We do not recommend using the term when it may refer to differences in power, authority, or importance.
| Recommended Term | Non-Inclusive Term |
|---|---|
| they, them | he, she |
| folks, team, y’all | guys, gals |
| humanity, people, humankind | man, mankind |
| sibling | brother, sister |
| legacy status, preexisting | grandfathered |
| person hours, work hours | man hours, manpower |
| screen reader user | user with a visual impairment |
Discussing Workflows and Processes
Be mindful of layered meanings or terms, idioms, and colloquialisms that may have a history of derogatory connotations.
| Recommended Term | Non-Inclusive Term |
|---|---|
| preservation copy; high-resolution file | master file |
| placeholder value or variable | dummy value or variable |
| web manager | webmaster |
| expert paper | white paper |
| empty space | white space |
| built-in feature | native feature |
| activate | enable |
| deactivate | disable |
References and Resources
SEI’s guide draws on the excellent guides prepared by IT departments in several academic institutions. The SEI team is grateful for these guides and movement in the cultural heritage field towards more inclusive practices.
Inclusive IT Language Guide, Office of Information Technology, University of California at Irvine
Inclusive IT Language: Replacement Terms, University of Guelph
Inclusive Language Guide, University of Washington Information Technology