What is ISO 20560-2:2018?

ISO 20560-2:2018 is a set of international standards that provides guidance for the organization and representation of information about movable cultural heritage. This technical specification, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), aims to establish a common framework for documenting and managing collections in museums, libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions.

Key Features of ISO 20560-2:2018

The ISO 20560-2 standard focuses on defining a comprehensive data model for describing movable cultural heritage objects, such as artworks, manuscripts, artifacts, and historical documents. It outlines guidelines for capturing both physical and intellectual characteristics, including provenance, material composition, dimensions, digital representations, and more.

One of the key features of ISO 20560-2 is its compatibility with existing metadata standards, such as Dublin Core, MARC21, and CIDOC CRM. This allows cultural institutions to integrate and exchange data seamlessly, facilitating collaboration and the sharing of resources across different platforms and systems.

Benefits of ISO 20560-2:2018 in Cultural Heritage Management

The implementation of ISO 20560-2 brings several benefits to the management of movable cultural heritage. Firstly, the standardized data model ensures consistency in cataloging and documentation practices, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of stored information.

Secondly, the use of internationally recognized standards enables interoperability between diverse collections and institutions. This improves accessibility and discoverability of cultural heritage resources, bringing them closer to researchers, scholars, and the public.

Furthermore, ISO 20560-2 provides a foundation for the long-term preservation and conservation of cultural heritage objects. By capturing comprehensive information about the objects' physical attributes and associated digital resources, institutions can better plan for the conservation of their collections and mitigate the risk of loss or deterioration.

Conclusion

ISO 20560-2:2018 plays a crucial role in defining a common framework for managing and documenting movable cultural heritage. Its adoption by cultural institutions promotes standardized cataloging practices, improves data interoperability, and supports long-term preservation efforts. By adhering to ISO 20560-2 guidelines, museums, libraries, and archives can ensure that their valuable cultural heritage resources are accurately documented, easily accessible, and safeguarded for future generations.