computer - implemented methods and apparatus for tagging data assets are disclosed . the disclosed methods include a method of responding to a user request that a computer program application open a data asset . the method of opening a data asset includes presenting to the user a location interface to receive data asset location information from the user to locate a desired data asset . the location interface is linked to a searchable tag database that includes concept data elements , asset references , and associations . concept data elements each representing a concept and have a hierarchy specified by concept hierarchy information . asset references each comprise a storage location identifier for a corresponding data asset . each association represents a relation between a data asset and a concept . the method also includes receiving from the user a query identifying a concept and a relation . in response to the query , the tag database may be used to identify a set of data assets each having a specified relation with an identified concept . the identified set of data assets may thereafter be presented to the user . the invention also features a computer program product , tangibly stored on a computer - readable medium , for responding to a user request that a computer program application open a data asset . the program includes instructions operable to cause a computer to present a location interface to the user , instructions to receive data asset location information from the user , instructions to link the location interface to a searchable tag database of concept data elements , asset references , and associations , instructions to receive a query identifying a concept and a relation , instructions to use the tag database to identify a set of data assets each having the relation with the concept , and instructions to present information identifying the set of data assets .