Controlled Vocabularies

So, what are controlled vocabularies in the context of taxonomies? They are supporting tools which should be based on collections of terms which users use to describe aspects of content, other than its business context. For example, the users may wish to organise their content according to business sector, geographical location, product type, organisation type, policy topic etc. Controlled vocabularies allow conent to be described using only 'official terms'. Terms from controlled vocabularies are generally applied to content at the time of its creation.

Controlled vocabularies can take the form of the following, ranging from:

1. The simple, such as lists of terms which are allowed to be used to describe an information resource;
2. To synonym rings – which is a ring of connected terms which are all treated as equivalent for searching.  Synonym rings can be used to link acronyms, variant spellings (for example program and programme) or scientific and popular terms;
3. To a classification scheme - which explains the relationship between terms, like ‘Fruit’ being above ‘Apple’ and ‘Oranges;
4. Or up to, at the most complex, a thesaurus. This includes synonyms, abbreviations, etc.

Take a look at the ECM and ERM Practitioner training program for more information about Controlled Vocabularies.

Comments

[Joann]

Controlled vocabularies ensure two things: first, internal resources speak in the same language, which is part of Messaging and Branding 101. Second, it streamlines the ability for users to discover relevant information - no matter what the aforementioned method of distribution, no matter what the platform, and no matter what the audience.