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Revised XML schema

Following on from the development of the Machinery of Government Change publication in April 2007, The National Archives is now developing a revised export / import XML schema and supporting documentation in order to provide a framework that will facilitate the standardised exchange and use of metadata between active electronic records management systems.

Status update

Details of the most recent version of the XML schema files and the supporting documentation will be made available on this web page.

Consultation draft files are available upon request to all interested parties - please email rmadvisory@nationalarchives.gov.uk using the subject "XML schema request". By default, XML schema files are provided in a compressed zip file and supporting documentation is provided in PDF format.

Note: As these files are in a consultation draft state, they are still subject to change.

Current release details

Phase 1 Consultation Draft - October 2007, version 1.1 (general release).

  • Export and Import Manual version 1.1, October 2007 (PDF file)
  • Schema_10102007 zip file (contains 2 sub-directories, with a total of 15 xsd files)

Previous release details

Phase 1 Consultation Draft - August 2007, version 1.0 (limited release).

Revised XML schema for the standardised export and import of metadata

This project will be developed in three main phases:

  • Phase 1 - core metadata: in addition to the revised XML schema details, metadata field properties and mapping details will be provided for the current e-GMS Metadata Standard - this includes minor updates that aim to ensure the standardised use of this core metadata set.
  • Phase 2 - custom metadata: the revised XML schema structure includes a "Dataset" field to hold custom metadata field details. Guidance on the use of custom metadata will be provided.
  • Phase 3 - supporting object metadata: key metadata dependencies will be identified and guidance for achieving a standardised approach to managing all the necessary data will be provided.

Each phase will involve a rigorous internal assessment process as well as opportunities for external feedback and assessment.

Throughout the entire process, consideration will be given to issues that extend beyond the scope of this project - including the impact of possible updates to the Metadata Standard model and potential metadata management changes that may result in improved usability or other efficiency factors.

It is anticipated that the information presented here will be particularly useful to the following groups:

  • Records Managers and ERMS System Administrators who are responsible for export, transfer or import functions within an organisation.
  • IT support roles who may require further understanding of the export and import concepts.
  • ERMS vendors who wish to demonstrate compliance with the proposed revision of the XML schema and metadata updates.
  • Records and information management academics and professionals interested in data migration issues.

Other publications

The focus of this guidance is the revision and implementation of the XML Schema. Other publications will be able to provide additional information on fundamental metadata and electronic records management issues that are not covered in detail here.

The following Machinery of Government Change publications may also be of use:

 

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

Last updated: Tuesday 20 November