Statement on Potentially Objectionable Content
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) preserves and documents the heritage and culture of Texas by identifying, collecting, and making available for research the permanently valuable official records of Texas government, as well as other significant historical resources, including newspapers, journals, books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and artifacts. These materials span centuries and are an important resource for Texas studies.
TSLAC facilitates access to the millions of items in its collections through an online catalog, web pages, finding aids, and the Texas Digital Archive. Some records, finding aids, or descriptions may contain content that some may find difficult to view or objectionable.
Please note that TSLAC will not alter original records; however, as time permits, our staff is working to update descriptions of holdings to reflect current descriptive standards and to provide researchers with additional information regarding the nature of the records.
As many materials were created decades or even a centuries ago, materials may reflect outdated, biased, or offensive views or opinions. Others may relate to violent or graphic historical events. Materials in the State Archives are preserved for their historical significance.
The State Archives processes collections (i.e., acquires, appraises, organizes, and describes) when materials are added. Many of the records in the State Archives were processed many decades ago.
Descriptions written many years ago use language that was standard at the time but that may not reflect current standards. While archivists often use a standardized set of terms, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, they may also re-use language provided by creators or former owners of the material to provide direct context about the materials. However, such language may also reflect biases and prejudices.
TSLAC uses updated industry standard descriptor approaches on newly acquired and newly processed collections.
TSLAC will similarly work, as practicable, to update descriptive materials related to prior acquisitions and previously processed materials to reflect current professional standards.
TSLAC is committed to providing researchers and the public with an understanding of the contents and context of collections that may contain difficult materials and to working with constituent groups to identify areas of need and productive action.
Please contact us at statearchives@tsl.texas.gov. Please include in your email the following information:
- name of the record (please provide link/URL);
- title of the description or document;
- a quote of the specific language you believe may be difficult or objectionable; and
- a suggested alternative if you have one.
TSLAC will review each request. In this review TSLAC will consider several factors. These may include input from affected communities, accurate preservation of the historical record, professional best practices, and allocation of staff resources.