Purpose of this page
The Bexenford interface uses specific terms consistently across its navigation, record displays, and support communications. This page explains what those terms mean in the context of the system, so that users can interpret them correctly when they encounter them.
These definitions reflect how the terms are used within Bexenford specifically. They may differ from the way the same words are used in other systems or in general technical documentation.
Record
A record is the fundamental unit of content within the Bexenford system. Each record represents a single, distinct item of information that has been processed through the intake stage and assigned to a category. Records may contain text, structured attributes, contextual notes, and links to related records. They are identified within the system by a unique reference.
Category
A category is a named grouping within the classification structure. Records are assigned to categories during the classification stage based on their content and attributes. Categories are arranged in a hierarchy, with broad top-level groupings containing more specific sub-categories. A record may belong to more than one category where its content spans multiple areas.
Taxonomy
The taxonomy is the full set of categories and sub-categories that make up the classification structure of the system. It defines how information is organised within Bexenford and determines the navigational structure of the interface. The taxonomy is maintained by the operator and may be revised over time as the range of records in the system changes.
Intake
Intake refers to the process by which new records are introduced to the system. During intake, records are checked for completeness, assessed for suitability, and prepared for the classification stage. Records that do not pass the intake assessment are held separately and do not proceed to the classification layer until any issues have been addressed.
Classification
Classification is the process of assigning a record to one or more categories within the taxonomy. It is carried out using a combination of automated analysis and editorial review. The aim of classification is to place records where users are most likely to expect to find them and to support the relationship-mapping process that follows.
Relationship
A relationship is a navigable link between two records within the system. Relationships are identified during the classification stage and stored as directional connections. In the interface, a record's relationships appear in a dedicated panel, allowing users to move to related content without returning to the category view. Relationships are distinct from category membership: two records may share a category without being linked as related, and related records may belong to different categories.
Index
The index is the searchable register of all records that have been fully processed and made available within the interface. When a record is added to the index, it becomes discoverable through the search function and appears in the relevant category views. Records that are still in the intake or classification stages are not yet present in the index.
Access level
Access level refers to the scope of content that a given user account is permitted to view within the system. Different access levels may be available depending on the nature of the user's request and any criteria the operator applies to access decisions. The access level associated with an account determines which categories, records, and functions are visible to that user.
Contextual summary
A contextual summary is an editorial note attached to a record that provides orientation for users who are approaching the record for the first time. Summaries explain the record's purpose, its significance within its category, and any important caveats relevant to interpreting its content. Not all records have contextual summaries; their presence depends on whether the content requires additional explanation for new readers.
Support channel
The support channel is the route through which users can submit enquiries to the Bexenford team. It is accessible via the contact form at Contact & Access or by writing directly to [email protected]. Enquiries submitted through the support channel may relate to the content of specific records, the classification structure, the access process, or any other aspect of the system.
Workspace
The workspace is a private area within each user account where records that have been saved or annotated by that user are collected. Content in the workspace is not shared with other accounts. The workspace does not hold copies of records; it holds references to records in the main catalogue, which means that if an underlying record is revised, the version accessible from the workspace will reflect the update.