The National Archives
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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
Information about the project and links to a list of the most recent documentation (including the XML schema files, Export and Import Manual and current Test Materials) will be updated on this web page.
The XML schema documentation page provides the most recently published documents.
Note: All of these documents are in a consultation draft state. As such, they are still subject to change. Comments and feedback are welcome from all interested parties - please email rmadvisory@nationalarchives.gov.uk using the subject "XML schema feedback".
Current release details
February 2008
- Export and Import Manual version 1.2 (PDF file)
- Schema_29012008 (compressed zip file containing 2 sub-directories, with a total of 21 xsd files)
- Test materials (various files)
Previous release details
Phase 1 Consultation Draft - October 2007, including Export and Import Manual, version 1.1 (general release).
Phase 1 Consultation Draft - August 2007, including Export and Import Manual, version 1.0 (limited release).
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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: February 2008