Decolonising heritage collections

The People’s Collection Wales Toolkit

Abstract

This article presents the Decolonisation Toolkit created by People’s Collection Wales (PCW), a community-driven digital heritage platform. Released in 2025, the Toolkit provides structured guidance for identifying, contextualising, and addressing discriminatory and colonial language in both English and Welsh metadata. Core features include website-level and item-level content warnings, transparent audit trails, and practical workflows for reviewing legacy material and preparing new uploads. Drawing on case studies – including historic newspapers, Penrhyn Castle, minstrel show photographs, and community contributions – the article explores how the Toolkit supports inclusive description while maintaining accuracy and public trust. It situates PCW’s approach within wider debates about non-MARC metadata, critical description, and community participation.