Resource Description Formats

• MARC 21 formats - Representation and communication of descriptive metadata about information items
• MARCXML - MARC 21 data in an XML structure
• MODS (Metadata Object Description Standard) - XML markup for selected metadata from existing MARC 21 records as well as original resource description
• MADS (Metadata Authority Description Standard) - XML markup for selected authority data from MARC21 records as well as original authority data
• EAD (Encoded Archival Description) - XML markup designed for encoding finding aids
• VRA Core -- The VRA Core is a data standard and XML schema for the description of works of visual culture as well as the images that document them

Digital Library Standards

• METS (Metadata Encoding & Transmission Standard) - Structure for encoding descriptive, administrative, and structural metadata
• MIX (NISO Metadata for Images in XML) - XML schema for encoding technical data elements required to manage digital image collections
• PREMIS (Preservation Metadata) - A data dictionary and supporting XML schemas for core preservation metadata needed to support the long-term preservation of digital materials.
• TextMD (Technical Metadata for Text) - XML schema that details technical metadata for text-based digital objects.
• ISO/DIS 25577 - Information and documentation -- MarcXchange.
• ISO 20775 - Schema for Holdings Information.
• ALTO - Technical Metadata for Optical Character Recognition
• AudioMD and VideoMD - XML Schemas that detail technical metadata for audio- and video-based digital objects

Information Resource Retrieval Protocols

• Z39.50 - Supports information retrieval among different information systems
• SRU/SRW (Search and Retrieve URL/Web Service) - Web services for search and retrieval based on Z39.50 semantics
• CQL (Contextual Query Language) - Formal, user-friendly query language for use between information retrieval systems

Standards in Progress

• Extended Date/Time Format (EDTF)

ISO Language Codes

• ISO 639-2: Codes for the representation of names of languages-- Part 2: Alpha-3 code.
• ISO 639-5: Codes for the representation of names of languages-- Part 5: Alpha-3 code for language families and groups.

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

Metadata for Digital Content: Developing institutional policies and standards at the Library of Congress

Standards in the Library of Congress Collections

Related National and International Standards Organizations

National Information Standards Organization (NISO)

NISO is an ANSI-accredited organization that develops standards specifically for the library, information services, and publishing sectors.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

ANSI is the organization that facilitates development of American National Standards (ANSs) by establishing consensus among qualified groups.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO is the standards body that establishes standards for the international exchange of goods and services.