Implementing the NAL Thesaurus in a Knowledge Repository

Abstract

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension currently runs an information management program called the Knowledge Repository (KR). In order to make the KR a useful tool, both for MSU and for others, a decision was made to use the NAL Thesaurus (NALT) as the controlled vocabulary in metadata records for the KR. The NALT is a tool specifically designed for use with agricultural-based information systems and is updated each year. Accommodations have been made to update the thesaurus in the KR to refresh the terms. The system also allows uncontrolled vocabulary to assist discovery of information in KR. The combination allows for broader searching. Although the NALT has been implemented in this instance at MSU, another way to consume the NALT is through the NALT Web Services. Presenters will discuss the MSU implementation of the NALT and the NALTws.