Taxonomy
A controlled, hierarchical classification scheme used to organize records and information into consistent categories, supporting findability and consistent retention.
A taxonomy is a structured, controlled scheme for classifying information into consistent, hierarchical categories. In records and information management, a taxonomy organizes content so it can be found, navigated, and managed consistently — and it often underlies the file plan that connects records to their retention.
A good taxonomy uses a controlled vocabulary (agreed terms, not free-for-all labeling) and a logical hierarchy, frequently organized by business function and activity rather than org chart (which changes more often). Taxonomies power auto-classification, search facets, and consistent metadata tagging. The design tension mirrors the file plan: detailed enough to be useful, simple enough to be applied consistently at scale. A confusing or overly granular taxonomy undermines findability as surely as having none.