Vocabularies
This page provides an introduction to standards issues around Vocabularies. See also the Recommended standards on Vocabularies.
- What are controlled vocabularies?
- What are the benefits of controlled vocabularies?
- Which controlled vocabularies does Vetadata use?
What are controlled vocabularies?
A controlled vocabulary is a prescribed set of consistently used and carefully defined terms.
Some vocabularies are established through a prescribed range of values that an element can contain. For example, the LOM element Classification.Purpose is described as "the purpose for classifying this resource" and lists eleven terms that can be used. Of these, Vetadata recommends the use of 'competency', 'educational level' or 'discipline'.
Other elements allow a choice of vocabularies. For example, the element Classification.TaxonPath.Source, defined as "the name of the classification system/scheme", allows the use of "any recognised 'official' taxonomy or any user-defined taxonomy". In this case, Vetadata specifies that a value from the AQF qualification system is used to describe the educational level, rather than one of the other qualification level vocabularies available.
A thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary with an internal structure, usually conforming to a specific standard with features such as broader and narrower terms, "Use" and "Used For" terms. An example is the VOCED thesaurus of research and policy terms for the training sector.
What are the benefits of controlled vocabularies?
The following are benefits of using controlled vocabularies:
- Ease of use and consistency in entering metadata: software can be used to select values from a list, avoiding typing and preventing spelling mistakes.
- Improved searching: controlled vocabularies assist resources to be found more reliably by preventing mismatch, eg the metadata says "child care" but the user searched for "childcare". This is especially the case if a search interface makes use of a vocabulary with "Use" terms to interpret a user's search request. For example a site could automatically search for "child care" if the user enters "childcare", "child-minding" or "occasional care".
- Supports browsing: A controlled vocabulary can be used directly for browsing for resources (if it structured hierarchically and does not have too many terms) or can be mapped to a browse structure.
- Allows matching to other data: Metadata that uses a controlled vocabulary allows links to be made between similar items (eg find other records with the same terms). Through mapping, it allows a connection between different types of items, for example finding all the resources that relate to a particular qualification.
Consistent use of vocabularies in different information systems in the VET sector is important because it supports:
- Single entry of data: If descriptions of resources are to be entered into more than one system (eg a local catalogue, AEShareNet and EdNA Online) then the process can be more automated and more consistent if the same vocabularies (as well as the same fields / metadata elements) are used in each system.
- Consistency of user experience: VET users may be visiting multiple websites and directories searching for resources. It is confusing if different browse structures and terminology are used on each site.
- Consolidation of data from multiple sources: A range of technologies such as portals, search engines and distributed search functions provide a user with access to information from a variety of separate databases. If the same vocabularies are used in multiple databases then these access points can provide more accurate searches and advanced features such as grouping search results by type or providing a browse that operates over data from multiple sources.
For further information see the Framework's 2004 Vocabularies Discussion Paper.
Which controlled vocabularies does Vetadata use?
Vetadata specifies the use of vocabularies containing:
- The NTIS competency codes and names
- The AQF qualification levels
- The VOCED thesaurus
- The myfuture classification of industries
- The Vetadata Educational Use vocabulary to be used in conjunction with the LOM Learning Resource Type vocabulary
More details about these vocabularies and how to use them can be viewed on the Vetadata page. Guidelines for implementing Vetadata and a guide for using it to describe resources are available, as is the specification itself. The page also provides example records, contacts for support, and additional references.
