Mike Erickson

Background

About Mike Erickson

I am a BIBCO Independent Cataloger and Metadata Specialist with over two decades of experience at Michigan State University Libraries, where I specialize in original and complex cataloging across print, non-print, and electronic monographs in diverse subjects and languages. My work is rooted in bibliographic integrity, inclusive metadata, and script authenticity - especially for underrepresented languages and culturally significant materials. My areas of specialization include: • Rare and self-published zines and alternative publications - including comics, memoirs, fanzines, and ephemera - centered on LGBTQ+ issues, feminism, anarchism, DIY culture, poetry, and punk movements • African languages and scripts - including Amharic (አማርኛ) and other Ethiopic languages, Tamazight (in both Tifinagh and Roman script), and N’Ko (ߒߞߏ‎)- with emphasis on Romanization and Unicode normalization • Turfgrass-related monographs and environmental research literature • Multilingual children’s books and international theses/dissertations • Rare and distinctive Special Collections materials requiring nuanced cataloging and preservation I contribute to the Library of Congress Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO), with dozens of accepted proposals for new LCSH and LCC entries - including classification numbers for asexuality topics. Separately, I assisted local cataloging initiatives at MSU Libraries to replace deprecated headings such as "Aliens" and "Illegal aliens" with more inclusive terminology. My cataloging practice blends ALA-LC romanization, Unicode normalization, and MARC precision with a commitment to elevating marginalized voices through metadata. I bring a background in financial analysis and digital resource management, having previously led the Turfgrass Information Center and contributed to large-scale bibliometric studies. In earlier roles, I supervised staff and students, managed a six-figure budget, and coordinated with internal and external partners to expand digital and print services for a global audience. I also mentored cataloging assistants, developed workflows, and oversaw abstracting and metadata creation for specialized turfgrass publications. Whether working with scripts, subjects, or systems, I strive to make metadata a tool for equity, precision, and cultural respect. I welcome opportunities for collaboration, consulting, or freelance projects - particularly those involving cataloging, metadata, multilingual materials, or inclusive bibliographic practices.