Controlled Vocabularies

Many controlled vocabularies are used to describe information resources in the Government of Canada (GC). Describing Web information resources using controlled terminology improves the ability of users to find the information they need when search engines are metadata-enabled.

Library and Archives Canada is mandated by the Treasury Board Information and Technology Standard (TBITS) 39.2, Controlled Vocabulary Standard (www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/its-nit/standards/
tbits39/crit392_e.asp) as registrar of controlled vocabularies used in the GC.

For more information about implementing a controlled vocabulary on a GC Web site, consult our Frequently Asked Questions.

Registering a Controlled Vocabulary

• How to Register a Controlled Vocabulary
• Controlled-Vocabulary Registration Form

Government of Canada Controlled Vocabulary Registry

• Canadian Government-maintained Controlled Vocabularies
  • dc.audience Vocabularies
  • dc.coverage Vocabularies
  • dc.format Vocabularies
  • dc.subject Vocabularies
  • dc.type Vocabularies
• Externally-maintained Controlled Vocabularies

Additional Information and Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Controlled Vocabulary Construction and Management Tools
• Standards for Controlled Vocabulary Development
• Recommended Reading