The Missing Ingredient in the Race to AI

The race to artificial intelligence (AI) is often framed as a competition for faster models, bigger computing environments and more sophisticated algorithms. Organizations invest in machine learning platforms, large language models (LLMs) and automation tools, hoping to gain some advantage. Yet, one critical factor is often overlooked: data accountability. AI systems are only as trustworthy…

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When Search Fails and Taxonomy Saves the Day

We’ve all been there. You type something into a website search bar, hit enter and somehow end up ten clicks deep looking at things that have absolutely nothing to do with what you wanted. At that point, it’s less “search” and more “digital hide and seek,” and nobody has time for that. Solutions Review brought…

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Taxonomy, Thesaurus, or Ontology? – Clearing the Confusion, Part One

Should your organization use a thesaurus, taxonomy, or ontology to make its information assets searchable and retrievable? Let’s talk about the differences. A taxonomy is a system of classifying and organizing data into a hierarchical structure based on shared characteristics. The NISO Z39.19 standard defines a taxonomy as “a collection of controlled vocabulary terms organized…

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The Enduring Role of Taxonomy in Search and AI

In this world of digital information, the ability to find what one is looking for is as important as the content itself. Search technology has advanced rapidly, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), but taxonomy remains a foundational element of discovery. While AI offers impressive capabilities such as natural language understanding and ,…

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The Enduring Role of Custom Taxonomies

Classification is the practice of organizing information into structured categories so it can be more easily understood, retrieved and applied. A taxonomy, in this context, is a formal framework that defines those categories and their relationships. It creates order from complexity, grouping information based on shared characteristics. For centuries, taxonomies have been central to how…

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When Do You Need a Taxonomy vs. an Ontology? Insights from Marjorie Hlava on Transforming Knowledge Management

In the evolving landscape of knowledge management—especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)—organizations are under increasing pressure to structure, retrieve and leverage their data more effectively. But a common question arises: Do you need a taxonomy, an ontology, or both? In a recent KMWorld article, Marjorie Hlava, Chief Science Officer of Access Innovations and…

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Why Quality Data is King

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce and digital retail, product taxonomy might seem like a dry, behind-the-scenes topic, but it’s actually the secret sauce that makes everything run smoothly. Pair it with the power of artificial intelligence (AI), and you’ve got a recipe for success. But there’s a catch—without quality data, even the best taxonomy…

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Classic Posts Summer – Why Use A Taxonomy Management Tool?

Our regular blogger is out of commission while recovering from surgery. Please enjoy this classic blog post, written by Margie Hlava in 2010, answering a very common question. Updates and notes are in brackets. Why Use A Taxonomy Management Tool? July 12, 2010 – This question was recently asked and addressed in a community online…

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