State Library of Western Australia. (2009, February 1). Creating and keeping your digital treasures: February 2009. . Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/digital_treasures
Keyword classification: involves grouping records into broad, functionally based areas represented by keywords. Records are further classified by the use of activity descriptors and optional subject descriptors.
Classification: systematic identification and arrangement of business activities and/or records into categories according to logically structured conventions, methods, and procedural rules represented in a classification system. (AS ISO 15489.1, 3.5).
A thesaurus is a tool that supports the classification and management of records, usually at the file level. It ensures that classification terms are used consistently throughout a recordkeeping system. It is a 'controlled language' tool.
A thesaurus may have:
multiple entry points to guide users to preferred terms and correct titles
cross-referencing
scope notes and tips
strict control of language, and
alphabetical or hierarchical presentation.
Functional classification establishes and documents the relationships between records and the business activities they document which is essential in understanding records, and in particular understanding over time.