ISO/IEC 19788-1:2011

Overview

ISO/IEC 19788-1:2011 - part of the ISO/IEC 19788 series - defines the framework for metadata for learning resources (MLR). This information-technology-neutral standard specifies principles, rules and structures for describing learning resources by identifying metadata data elements and their attributes, and by defining rules governing their use. Key goals include support for multilingual and multicultural adaptability, user-driven requirements, and providing common methodologies and constructs to guide subsequent parts of ISO/IEC 19788.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data element specification: Defines how metadata elements for learning resources are described, including their attributes and obligation statuses.
• Identifiers and management: Rules for assignment and management of MLR identifiers and data element identification.
• Application profiles: Mechanisms to create structured collections of data element specifications tailored to communities or use-cases (application profile specification and application profile record).
• Resource classes & data element groups: Definitions and attributes for classifying resources and grouping related metadata elements.
• Predefined rule sets: Common value and format rules (e.g., MLR string handling, date, date-time, duration conventions) to ensure consistent metadata encoding.
• MLR record structure: Definition and attributes of a metadata learning resource (MLR) record for discovery, evaluation and reuse.
• Multilingual & cultural support: Principles and constructs to enable multilingual equivalency and cultural requirements in metadata.
• Reuse and interoperability: Encourages re-use of existing standards (notably alignment with IEEE 1484.12.1-2002 and ISO 15836:2009) and provides guidance for future parts (e.g., Dublin Core mapping, educational/technical elements).

Practical applications and users

ISO/IEC 19788-1:2011 is practical for organizations and professionals needing standardized metadata for educational content:

• Digital repository managers and librarians (learning object repositories, digital libraries)
• LMS and educational platform developers integrating metadata for search, harvesting, and federation
• Content publishers, curriculum developers, and instructional designers ensuring discoverability and reuse
• Education ministries, standards bodies and consortia defining national or institutional application profiles
• Developers of metadata harvesting, federated search, and discovery services aiming for cross-language interoperability

Benefits include improved resource discovery, metadata interoperability across systems, and support for multilingual and cultural adaptation.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 19788 series (Part 2: Dublin Core elements; other parts on educational elements, availability, technical elements)
• IEEE 1484.12.1-2002 (LOM) and ISO 15836:2009 (Dublin Core) - noted for compatibility and reuse
• Normative references used in the standard: ISO 639 (language codes), ISO 8601 (date/time), ISO/IEC 10646 (character set)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 19788-1:2011, metadata for learning resources, MLR, learning resource metadata, application profiles, multilingual metadata, educational technology, interoperability.