Lesson 13: Taxonomies | Advanced

Lesson overview

Learn how taxonomies and tagging systems keep content organized on StFX.ca. This module covers the difference between vocabularies and terms, how to check for existing terms to avoid duplicates, adding new taxonomy terms, reordering drop-down menus, and understanding how taxonomies drive search filtering across the site.

Topics include:

  • Understanding the structure of taxonomies: Vocabularies (overall categories) vs. Terms (individual options)
  • Navigating to site taxonomies under Structure > Taxonomy
  • Checking existing term lists to prevent duplicate tags
  • Adding new terms and internal descriptions
  • Reordering terms for front-end drop-down menus
  • How taxonomies power filtering across directories, news, and policies
     
Step-by-step

  1. Access and Review Taxonomies

    1. From the admin bar, navigate to Structure > Taxonomy.

    2. Locate the desired vocabulary (e.g., News Topic, Degree Type) and click List terms to see existing options.

    3. Best Practice: Always review the current list first to avoid creating duplicate or overlapping terms (e.g., Health vs. Healthcare).

  2. Add a New Taxonomy Term

    1. Click Add term at the top of the vocabulary list.

    2. Enter the Name of the new term.

    3. Optionally add a Description for internal reference (Note: Descriptions do not appear on the live site).

  3. Reorder Terms for Drop-Down Menus

    1. From the term list view, click and hold the crosshair icon beside a term to drag and drop it into your preferred order.

    2. Scroll down and click Save to confirm the new menu ordering.

  4. Understand Site Filtering

    1. Taxonomy terms drive automated filtering across StFX.ca:

      1. Department tags power the staff directory filters.

      2. News topics drive the main news filtering.

      3. Policy types organize the central policy library.


Test your knowledge

Test your understanding of the material covered in this lesson with the quick quiz below. Completing this knowledge check is entirely optional, but it's a great way to reinforce what you've learned before moving on to the next topic. Simply select your answers for each question and submit the form when you're done.

 

« Previous Lesson Next Lesson »

Contact

Marketing & Communications Department

1st Floor Xavier Hall
4545 Alumni Crescent
Antigonish NS B2G 2W5
Canada