METSstandardien

The Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard (METS) is an XML-based standard developed to facilitate the encoding, storage, management, and sharing of complex digital objects, particularly those used in libraries, archives, and museums. Developed by the Digital Library Federation (DLF) Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standards Working Group, METS was first published in 2001 and has since become widely adopted as part of the Library of Congress’ preservation and access initiatives.

METS is designed to encapsulate a digital object’s metadata, structural components, and associated files into a single, self-describing package. This allows for efficient preservation, long-term access, and interoperability across different systems. The standard is particularly useful for managing complex digital collections, such as born-digital archives, digitized manuscripts, and multimedia resources, where multiple files (e.g., images, audio, text) may be associated with a single object.

A METS package consists of several key elements, including a metadata section (often using standards like Dublin Core or MODS), a structural map defining relationships between components, and a file section listing all associated files. Optional extensions allow for the inclusion of preservation metadata, rights information, and administrative notes. The standard supports both simple and highly complex digital objects, making it versatile for various use cases.

METS is often used in conjunction with other standards, such as PREMIS for preservation metadata and MODS for descriptive metadata, to create comprehensive digital object packages. Its modular structure ensures flexibility, allowing institutions to include only the necessary elements while maintaining compatibility with other systems. The standard is freely available and maintained by the DLF, with ongoing updates to address evolving digital preservation needs.

METS has been adopted by numerous cultural heritage institutions, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and international organizations like Europeana. Its role in digital preservation and access continues to grow as institutions seek reliable methods for managing and sharing complex digital collections.