Taxonomy
What is a taxonomy?
Generally, a "taxonomy is a system for naming and organizing
things that share similar characteristics" (Montague
Institute Review). It's a type of subject categorization intended
to provide an intuitive and useful interface (like a website)
for people in an organization to access information and knowledge
relevant to their work and interests.
Why a taxonomy (or multiple taxonomies)?
- USAID staff need to locate relevant data/information
on topics of interest easily and quickly. A centrally coordinated
taxonomy will facilitate sharing of information with all
USAID staff and partners working in all different areas.
- A USAID-wide taxonomy would provide a shared language
to categorize everything related to USAID activities
- Combined with appropriate technological tools, a taxonomy
system will pave the way for simple access to databases,
discussion groups, other agency knowledge and databases,
and other shared resources.
What is the Taxonomy Working Group?
This group is sponsored by the BTEC's Knowledge for Development
subcommittee. Taxonomy development is an essential component
of USAID's Knowledge for Development strategy. The Taxonomy
Working Group will chart an approach and path for the development
of a USAID taxonomy. It would also provide the coordination
and oversight necessary to create and maintain a flexible
and truly useful and sustainable taxonomy.
Initially, the Working Group will:
- Identify agency units with valuable information sources
that need to be shared more widely.
- Involve people responsible for these resources to create
a USAID taxonomy system.
- Identify other agency taxonomy creation efforts. Different
USAID units have already recognized the importance of a
taxonomy to sharing their knowledge, and some of these units
have already done substantial work towards developing some
form of a taxonomy.
- Identify options for developing a USAID taxonomy or system
of taxonomies.
- Enhance the visibility and role of taxonomies to support
USAID’s business needs.
Want to learn more?
For more information, contact Rebecca Schneider, USAID Library
at rschneider@usaid.gov.
Learn more about the discipline of
Knowledge for Development.
View KM Resources Available from the
USAID Library. [PDF 98K]
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