Hierarchies vary depending on the kind of knowledge organization system, so you cannot assume that a hierarchy in one system converts to a hierarchy in another system
Author: Heathers Admin
Differing Definitions of Ontologies
In my last blog post I discussed the different definitions and features of thesauri. Now, I will turn to the next kind of knowledge organization system in the spectrum of complexity: ontologies. Actually, to consider an ontology as a more (or most) complex type of controlled vocabulary or knowledge organization…
What is a Thesaurus and What is it Good For
A thesaurus has the benefits of supporting more semantics than a taxonomy while not being as complex as an ontology.
Customizing Taxonomy Facets
It has become more common to design faceted taxonomies than purely hierarchical taxonomies, as I discussed in a previous blog post. Faceted taxonomies integrate better with search, serve for filters and sorting, and provide a good user experience for both novices and subject matter experts. The main drawback is that…
Adjectives as Terms in Taxonomies
Taxonomies need not follow strict standards, but rather best practices. There are standards for thesauri (ANSI/NISO Z39.19 and ISO 25964), and as taxonomies are similar to thesauri, it’s a good idea to follow thesaurus standards for taxonomy design to the extent applicable. According to thesaurus standards, terms should be nouns…
Taxonomy Terms for Different End-Users
The names of taxonomy terms need to be understood by the taxonomy’s users, and all users need to share the same understanding of what the term means. Typically, a taxonomy as two fundamental sets of users: those who tag content with the taxonomy terms and those who retrieve content with…
How Many Facets Should a Taxonomy Have
I’ve given a rule-of-thumb of 3-8 facets to create in a faceted taxonomy, but it’s not that simple, and there are various factors to consider. Creating facets is an assignment in the online taxonomy course I teach, and a student recently submitted good set of facets with sample terms, but…
When a Taxonomy Should not be Hierarchical
The traditional taxonomy is hierarchical. Thus, after it is determined a taxonomy is needed, often it is thought that it should be designed as a hierarchy. However, in practical terms, a hierarchical taxonomy might not be the kind that is appropriate. A taxonomy provides value (1) as a controlled vocabulary…
Navigation Schemes vs. Taxonomies
The feature of being hierarchical does not make something a taxonomy.
Remote Taxonomy Work
Taxonomy design and development work can be done remotely. In fact, I’ve been doing taxonomy work remotely for the majority of my 24 years in the field, both as an employee and an independent consultant/contractor/freelancer. Now that information, knowledge, and content professionals are currently all working from home, this would…