The subject headings, referring to human races, were identified in the subject heading list Lista de encabezamientos de materia para bibliotecas (LEMB), following criteria of otherness, confinement, omission, inadequate structure, and biased terminology. A total of 3 subject headings were identified for white people, 135 for American Indians, and 21 for blacks. 75% of the subject headings for American Indians and 100% for blacks are concentrated in the words indígena(s), negro(s) or negra(s). Omission of subject headings and subdivisions, inconsistencies in the equivalence relations, and scope notes, as well as some biased terminological forms may be discriminatory or offensive for some people, and thus the revision of this very well known subject heading list (including the very concept of race), is suggested in order to improve it.
Races; American indians; Blacks; Subject headings; Discrimination
