Process of creating subject headings in Te Reo Maori

Abstract

Library of Congress Subject Headings do not accurately describe material relating to indigenous peoples or countries where English is not the native or first language. This research investigated the process undertaken by the National Library of New Zealand in the creation of Maori subject headings for the Aotearoa/New Zealand Thesaurus/He Puna Kupu Maori project. It also examined the University of Waikato Library's Maori Subject Headings Project. These projects were compared with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols and the Aboriginal Thesaurus, funded by the National Library of Australia. Comparative issues identified were categorised as; scope, authority, consultation, linguistics, orthographies, tribal differences, and issues and problems for consideration. These issues identified the process of creating subject headings in te reo Maori .