[Apologies for cross-posting this email; please share widely, particularly with rare materials librarians] Tēnā koutou katoa, The ALA Core SAC Working Group on $v Retention would like to draw the library community's attention to several proposals from the Library of Congress on the latest subject headings Tentative List (2607<https://classweb.org/tentative-subjects/2607.html>) to change established authority records that include $v. These are: * Botany $v Pre-Linnean works → Pre-Linnean botany (sp 85015997) * Natural history $v Pre-Linnean works → Pre-Linnean natural history (sp 85090231) * Zoology $v Pre-Linnean works → Pre-Linnean zoology (sp 85149989) These proposals change a topic/form combination into a topic. Patrons would expect the revised headings to be used for works about Pre-Linnean sciences, not examples of Pre-Linnean scientific works (i.e., contemporary works discussing Pre-Linnean sciences would presumably also get assigned the revised subject headings). The proposals run counter to the Library of Congress' assurance in January 2026<https://www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/subject/form-announcement.pdf> that "There is no requirement for any institution to follow the Library's practice of not using $v," since libraries cannot choose to use subject headings that no longer exist. They also undermine the January 2026 FAQ<https://www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/subject/formfaq.pdf> statement that "Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) will continue to maintain the authority records for all form subdivisions," and that the Library of Congress would merely "modify [authority records that use $v subfields as part of a controlled string] to give alternate instructions" rather than completely alter them. The Working Group recommends that anyone concerned about these proposals email listcomments@loc.gov<mailto:listcomments@loc.gov> by Monday, July 20, 2026 with opposition to the changes. ***************** And a friendly reminder that those concerned about ongoing developments are welcome to sign the Open letter about further alterations to Library of Congress Subject Headings<https://docs.google.com/document/d/18R2WMf9qAj5twyH6ue9BD4nnpoI7XQs7gCIvwzfoMI8/edit?usp=sharing> and/or Open letter about the LCSH modernization discussion group<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KzIdIedSOkUyeQbsj_q8wj1_7ax3qTNY4YCXu3WmiIc/edit?usp=sharing>, and if desired endorse the recommendations in the Working Group's report<https://docs.google.com/document/d/12sYgYhVSyM1nObY-QeH-VySjYHxoSQTEj2xwBFTwf98/edit?usp=sharing>, through the July 31, 2026 deadline (after which the Group will cease activities). The signing form can be found here: https://forms.gle/9Q5b5Vc57jTqMjw76 Thanks for considering emailing, signing, and/or endorsing, and making your voice heard! Nāku noa, nā Tali Boardman (She/Her) Te Matapihi Heritage Access Specialist Libraries, Community Spaces & Archives | Wellington City Council Whare Pukapuka me ngā Wāhi Pāpori | Te Kaunihera o Pōneke Ph: 04-830 8311 E: tali.boardman@wcc.govt.nz<mailto:karl.tilley@wcc.govt.nz> | W wcl.govt.nz<http://www.wcl.govt.nz/>