How do I learn to use the Taxonomy?

• Taxonomy Library: It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the Taxonomy and develop an understanding of indexing principles before you begin work on your database. Make sure you read Margaret Bruni's article on indexing ( Indexing with the AIRS/211 LA County Taxonomy) and the orientation to the Taxonomy by Georgia Sales (An Orientation to Structure and Contents of the AIRS/211 LA County Taxonomy) at the very least.


• Training Opportunities: There are always several workshops related to using the Taxonomy at the annual AIRS Conference and there is also an online training course available at www.cequick.com/airs. You may also want check with your state I&R association (Affiliate List) regarding the timing and workshop schedule for their conference. Many have workshops that will help you better understand the Taxonomy and how to use it. In addition, a number of resource managers across North America have attended the AIRS Taxonomy Training of Trainers Workshop and are equipped to provide training locally.


• AIRS Taxonomy Listserv: If you have specific questions, you can ask your colleagues via the AIRS Taxonomy Listserv. For more information, click on the following link: Join AIRS_Tax Listserv
  


• Canadian Taxonomy Listserv: If you have specific questions, you can ask your colleagues via the Canadian Taxonomy Listserv. The Canadian listserv can be accessed at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Can_Taxonomy/

What if I can't find the term I am looking for?

• Your Software Word Search: First try searching using the full wording for the term you have in mind. If there is nothing, try searching using only one of the words in the term, e.g., "Counseling" if you are looking for "Spiritual Counseling". If there is still nothing, think of synonyms for the term and try searching using those. Using a single word will generate more options.


• Your Software Hierarchical Search: If you can find nothing using a word search, try searching the hierarchy. Drill down searches and code searches vary by software.


• AIRS Taxonomy Listserv: Post your question to your peers. For more information, click on the following link: Join AIRS_Tax Listserv


• Canadian Taxonomy Listserv: If you have specific questions, you can ask your colleagues via the Canadian Taxonomy Listserv. The Canadian listserv can be accessed at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Can_Taxonomy/


• Request a New Term: Send an e-mail to the taxonomy editor (Georgia Sales) at 211 LA County to request a new term. gsales4215@aol.com

How do I ask for a new term?

Send an e-mail to the taxonomy administrator (Georgia Sales) at 211 LA County to request a new term. gsales4215@aol.com

• What to Include: To help speed the development of a new term, please include the following, where possible.
  
  
  • Description: A description of the service you are requesting as provided by the organization whose record you are indexing.
  
  
  • Web sites: One or more Web sites that can be used for research.
  
  
  • Placement suggestion: Your ideas about where the new term fits best in the Taxonomy hierarchy.
  
  
  • Definition: A draft of a definition, if you have one.
  
  
  • References: Use references (synonyms) and/or see also references where they are appropriate.
  
  
  • Contact Information: Your name and telephone number in case a conversation is necessary to evaluate the request.
  
  
• What Will Happen: If there is an existing term for the concept you have suggested, the taxonomy editor will share that with you. If a new term is needed, it will be developed and new term, code and associated information will be sent to you by return e-mail. If a new term cannot be developed, the reason (e.g., the service is outside the scope of the Taxonomy) will be discussed with you. Requests posted to the AIRS Taxonomy Listserv and the Canadian Taxonomy Listserv will be answered via the listserv.

Why does the Taxonomy change so frequently?

In order for the Taxonomy to remain useful as a tool for indexing and accessing community resources, it needs to accurately reflect the ever-changing human services delivery system. When new services become available or when the language describing human services changes, the Taxonomy must be modified accordingly in order to meet the needs of the field. The vast majority of additions and changes are prompted by requests from subscribers. For information on keeping your Taxonomy updated, read the article by Georgia Sales on the topic (Taxonomy Supplements: How to Keep the AIRS/211 LA County Taxonomy Updated for Your Resource File).

Do I have the use the whole Taxonomy?

No, you do not and should not. All organizations customize the Taxonomy to meet their local needs before beginning the indexing process. If your software allows it, you can deactivate terms you do not wish to use so that neither your resource managers nor people searching your database see terms you have decided are irrelevant. You can also use the Manage Filters function on the Web site to develop and maintain your customization. For more information about customization, see the article in the Taxonomy Library (Customization Guidelines).

How Often is the Online Taxonomy Updated?

While changes are frequently made to the working copy of the Taxonomy multiple times a day, the actual www.211taxonomy.org database is updated less frequently, generally about once a month. When the online database is updated, an announcement is posted to the AIRS_Taxonomy Listserv. To see when the online Taxonomy was last updated, go to Recent Changes section of the Web site and click twice on the heading marked "Change Date". The list will be re-sorted and the most recent updates will appear first.

When do I need a license to use the Taxonomy?

An organization needs a license to engage in any use of the Taxonomy. In situations where there is a central database maintained for use by multiple organizations, each of the organizations needs its own license. Please contact 211 LA County for more information about licenses.