Canadian subscribers should go here to subscribe to the Canadian Taxonomy. Although you may browse the Canadian version or register to evaluate the Taxonomy at this site, subscriptions to the Canadian version are available through InformCanada at a low introductory rate for 2008-10. The special rate is only available until March 31, 2008.
To evaluate the Taxonomy prior to subscribing, click on “Subscribe” at the bottom of the page, complete the form and under “Purpose in Registering”, choose “Evaluate Taxonomy”. To see examples of complete sections of the Taxonomy in printed form, follow these links: Disaster Services, Volunteer Opportunities. Please note that use of these sections is governed by our Terms of Use.
This site is a support tool which allows licensed subscribers to search the AIRS/211 LA County Taxonomy in a variety of ways, print the Taxonomy in various formats, download the file that will allow them to incorporate the Taxonomy in their database initially and keep it updated over time as the Taxonomy changes and grows, view recent changes and additions, and develop, save and share customized versions of the Taxonomy through the Manage Filter function. Separate versions of the Taxonomy are available to U.S. and Canadian subscribers. To change the view of the Taxonomy that is being displayed, click on “change” and select the locale you wish to see. Look for the Canadian French locale later in 2008.
A taxonomy is a classification system that allows you to distinguish concepts, name concepts and put those concepts in order. It is used to index and access information about a subject in a systematic, unambiguous way. In a human service context, a taxonomy is a classification system that allows you to index and access community resources based on the services they provide and the target populations they serve, if any. It provides a structure for your information and it tells people what is in your information system and how to find it. The Taxonomy sets a new standard for defining services and for indexing the wide variety of human services available in communities across North America.
“Awesome breadth and depth and a rigorous methodology.”—Deane Zeeman, Library and Archives Canada
"The most complete, almost encyclopedic taxonomy I've encountered covering a subject domain. It shows how a well developed taxonomy can enable learning and guide searchers to unforeseen, yet highly relevant topics."—Linda Farmer, MLS, Information Consultant, Second Knowledge Solutions
"The Taxonomy is straight-forward, comprehensive, focused on human services; has amazing definitions; is easy to understand; and can be effectively used anywhere by anyone."—Diane Murdock, City of Calgary Information Centre
"The AIRS/211 LA County Taxonomy is to the information and referral field what the Library of Congress catalog system is to libraries, nationally and internationally. It allows all information and referral providers to speak the same language, classify information consistently, and share data locally, statewide, regionally, nationally and internationally. It is the crucial element in creating a national database in the future, that will both help identify gaps in service as well as make it faster and easier to get people connected to vital resources. It is a tool that maximizes access to community resources and actualizes the mission of information and referral."—Mary Hogan, Past President, AIRS Board
"Its beauty is that it is always changing/adapting to new concepts and services."—Lael Tryon, Greater Twin Cities United Way 2-1-1, Minneapolis
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