NZGLS thesauri - FAQs
FAQs for thesauri users
- What is a thesaurus?
- What is a thesaurus for?
- What are 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' terms?
- How does the structure of a thesaurus work?
Functions of New Zealand (FONZ) thesaurus
- Where do the Function terms come from?
- How is FONZ structured?
- What are the top-level function (FONZ) terms?
- How do I choose a term from the Functions (FONZ) thesaurus?
Subjects of New Zealand (SONZ) thesaurus
- Where do the Subject terms come from?
- How is SONZ structured?
- How do I choose a term from the Subjects (SONZ) thesaurus?
- What about Maori language terms?
Where to find the thesauri
Where can I find the thesauri?
The Functions of New Zealand (FONZ) and Subjects of New Zealand (SONZ) thesauri are both available on the e-government website:
http://www.nzgls.govt.nz/thesauri/downloads.html
Introduction
What is a thesaurus?
A thesaurus is a list of standardised words or phrases (referred to as terms) that helps indexers describe concepts in a consistent manner, and guides searchers to choose the same terms.
What is a thesaurus for?
A thesaurus helps you find information by providing a consistent way of searching which yields reliable search results.
What are 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' terms?
'Preferred terms' are the authorised terms used to describe information; 'non-preferred terms' direct users towards the correct choice of term, and are often synonyms of the preferred term.
How does the structure of a thesaurus work?
Use the list of broader terms, narrower terms, and related terms accompanying each preferred term to find words or phrases that most closely relate to the concept you wish to describe. Some preferred terms also have scope notes that indicate how they should be used and provide alternatives.
Functions of New Zealand (FONZ) thesaurus
Where do the Function terms come from?
Thesaurus experts analysed numerous government documents (agency business plans, post-election briefings, etc) to derive core government functions. The terminology was standardised, and supplemented with 'non-preferred' terms from sources such as government call centres, citizens' groups, newspapers, etc. Government agencies tested the result for usability.
How is FONZ structured?
FONZ follows international conventions, and is structured in a hierarchy made up of broader, narrower and related terms. In FONZ there are three levels; broad, intermediate and narrow.
What are the top-level function (FONZ) terms?
Administering government, assisting, authorising, defending, enabling, enriching, informing, policy making, protecting, providing infrastructure, representing, rulemaking, upholding the rules.
How do I choose a term from the Functions (FONZ) thesaurus?
Start at the broadest level. Identify the term that most clearly matches. Drop to a more precise second or third level term if possible. Use the scope notes and the definition to confirm that the term can be used in the way you want. The scope notes give guidance on what other terms might be suitable.
Subjects of New Zealand (SONZ) thesaurus
Where do the Subject terms come from?
A number of thesauri were considered as the starting point for the thesaurus. The New Zealand Parliamentary Library thesaurus was chosen as a base and was adapted after studying government agencies' services, information resources and other thesauri.
How is SONZ structured?
SONZ follows international conventions, and is structured in a hierarchy made up of broader, narrower and related terms.
How do I choose a term from the Subjects (SONZ) thesaurus?
Use the alphabetical listing to find the term that most clearly matches your needs. If you can't find anything suitable, look for synonyms, or look for a more general term. Use the non-preferred terms to navigate to the most precise preferred term. Look at the broader, narrower and related terms to check if a more appropriate term is available.
What about Maori language terms?
Maori language terms have been included where there is no English equivalent in common usage, i.e. Kohanga Reo.
