Why are common formats and controlled vocabulary necessary?
Common formats specify how to present and organize certain categories of information. They act as well-defined descriptors, giving users a standard means to search and retrieve information. And because all descriptors will contain similar information, it is possible to link them to an index or search engine. Without common formats, it would be difficult and time-consuming to create search mechanisms for the Biosafety Clearing-House. It would be necessary to search the entire document for the needed information. Imagine the difficulty when using multiple languages. Even more, information located on remote web sites could not be effectively integrated into the system. Computer systems need to adhere to common protocols and formats to facilitate the exchange of information. For more information, see Module 5 of the Toolkit.
