Version 2.0 of the CARARE metadata schema takes into account the experience gained from mapping more than 40 datasets from 20 different countries to version 1.0 of the CARARE metadata schema during the CARARE project, and of transforming CARARE metadata to EDM for supply to Europeana. This experience suggested areas where the schema might be simplified.

It was prepared in the framework of the 3D ICONS project and takes into account the need to capture paradata and provenance data describing the creating of 3D models.

The main changes in version 2.0 are as follows:

• The scope of the Heritage Asset has been broadened to include printed materials, archives and born-digital objects relating to the archaeological and architectural heritage.
• Digital Resource has been simplified to focus on the type, format and location of the online resource.
• Heritage Asset becomes mandatory; there must be at least one in each CARARE object. It remains mandatory to include at least one digital resource in each CARARE object.
• The record information has been simplified.
• The rights statements have been simplified and metadata rights clarified.
• The references section of the Heritage Asset has been simplified.
• Provenance has been added to Heritage Asset.
• Spatial information has been updated.
• Elements for types of relations from heritage assets, digital resources and activities have been specified for clarity.

In addition to these changes, to meet the needs of the 3D ICONS project to enable information to be captured about the provenance of 3D objects. The following changes are included:

• Activities have been extended to allow for the recording of sub-ordinate events that take place during a larger campaign.
• New elements for types of relations have been added based on CRM-DIG.

Schema elements

The CARARE metadata schema defines four main classes of information and more than 200 elements. This allows for completeness while providing flexibility for organisations to decide which data they want to provide for harvesting.

What's in the CARARE schema?

Main classes:

• Heritage asset identification
• Digital resource
• Activity
• Collection information

Information groups:

• Record information
• Appellation
• Description
• Temporal
• Spatial
• Address
• Actors
• Contacts
• Rights
• Dimensions
• Publication statement

Mandatory elements:

• Record information id
• Appellation - title/name + id
• Description
• Link

Recommended elements:

• Format
• Rights - copyright credit line
• Spatial - named location
• Temporal - start date / end date / period
• Subject / Heritage asset 'type'
• Type
• Source (content provider)
• Country (of the content provider)
• Language (of the content)

There are some differences between version 1 and version 2 of the CARARE schema in terms of the mandatory and recommended classes and elements.