Interpreting the Metadata Standard

In order to comply fully with the Functional Requirements, systems have to demonstrate they can export fileplan object metadata in an XML format in accordance with the Metadata Standard. This can also ensure compliance with the e-Government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF).  Version 2 of the Metadata Standard was published in 2002, with a further revision published in 2004 by the GovTalk unit of Cabinet Office. 

The 2002 version of Metadata Standard, along with the Functional Requirements can be found on The National Archives website 2002 revised requirements. The 2004 version of the Metadata Standard can be found on the Govtalk website Updated Metadata Standard.

The purpose of the documents presented on this web page is to provide guidance for the management of metadata in terms of the values, form and content recommended by The National Archives.

The publications may be of use to all groups who have an interest in the use and capture of metadata within an ERMS environment from records managers to end-users.

This work was updated in August 2007 (second version), to include additional comments to further explain details for specific metadata element values, form and content.

The following spreadsheet is intended to provide an informative guide to the expected use, content and behaviour of the elements listed within the Metadata Standard when applied to an electronic record management environment in accordance with the Requirements for Electronic Records Management systems. 

The spreadsheet has been produced using MS Excel spreadsheet to provide a greater degree of usability and viewing flexibility.  It has also been provided in PDF format.  Users should note that due to the nature and size of the document it has been formatted to A3 landscape.

This work is in development and will be updated as and when appropriate. This will include examples of XML exported metadata.

This page contains files. See plug-ins and file formats for help in accessing these file types.