Libraries and archives collect, preserve, and make available historic materials from different cultures and time periods. Historic materials reflect the attitudes, ideas, and norms of the time period, culture, and environment in which they were created.   

With this in mind, we acknowledge that within the Cape Ann Museum Library & Archives (CAM L&A) Digital Collections there are materials with language and points of view that are outdated, biased, harmful, or inaccurate.

Some materials available in the Digital Collections may contain offensive imagery, language, or opinions, including but not limited to racist, sexist, ableist, misogynist, xenophobic, transphobic, homophobic, or discriminatory points of view. Some materials may also depict historically marginalized cultures and groups in a disrespectful or exploitative way. This site also contains some items with explicit imagery featuring violent or sexual content that may not be appropriate for all viewers. 

These materials are included to preserve the historic record. Their presence does not indicate the endorsement of any viewpoints.

CAM L&A is committed to critical cataloging practices and strives to catalog materials in a respectful and inclusive manner, especially for resources related to and/or created by marginalized communities, including but not limited to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color); LGBTQIA; women; and working-class communities.

These policies are consistent with established professional guidelines of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Society of American Archivists (SAA) , such as the ALA Code of Ethics, the ALA Access to Digital Resources and Services: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, the SAA Core Values Statement, and the SAA Code of Ethics.

Contact: library@capeannmuseum.org