11. Recommendations for frameworks and reference models

Basic Semantic Web technologies

These W3C standards form the foundational frameworks for Semantic Web technologies:

Resource Description Framework (RDF), introduction: RDF 1.1 Primer

RDF Schema (RDFS)

Web Ontology Language (OWL 2), introduction: OWL 2 Web Ontology Language Primer (Second Edition)

Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS), introduction: SKOS Simple Knowledge Organization System Primer

Reference Models

For cultural research projects, cultural heritage collections, we recommend the following reference models (top-level ontologies). Application ontologies can be found in the section Recommendations for vocabularies, authority data, and application ontologies.

Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM) of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), International Committee for Documentation (CIDOC)

CIDOC CRM is a tool for information modelling and integration in the cultural heritage sector. It provides definitions and a formal ontology to describe the implicit and explicit concepts and relationships used in cultural heritage documentation, which are of interest for querying and evaluating such data. Since 2006, it has been an official standard (ISO 21127), with its status renewed in 2014 and 2023.
Introduction: Primer by Domenic Oldman and CRM Labs. The ontology is published here and as Erlangen CRM / OWL.

For certain issues, the CRM extensions are also relevant. The following should be mentioned in particular:

• CRM Model for Provenance Metadata (CRMdig)
  is an ontology and RDF schema for encoding metadata about the steps and methods of creating (‘provenance’) digital products and representations, such as 2D, 3D, or even animated models created by various methods. The model is also applicable to all types of scientific data and other digital objects, offering a wide range of possibilities in terms of coverage, universality, expressiveness, and detail in information modelling. Find the latest version here.
• CRM Model for Archaeological Buildings (CRMba)
  is an ontology and RDF schema for encoding metadata about the documentation of buildings according to an archaeological approach. The model was developed to support the process of recording evidence and material discontinuities in archaeologically relevant buildings, determining the development of a structure over centuries, and capturing the relationships between individual building components and the building as a whole. Find the latest version here.
• CRM Argumentation Model (CRMinf)
  is an ontology designed for integrating metadata about argumentation processes, propositions, evidence, and conclusions in descriptive and empirical sciences. It is recommended to use it in conjunction with the CRM Scientific Observation Model (CRMsci). Find the latest version here.
• CRM Scientific Observation Model (CRMsci)
  is an ontology that serves as a global schema for integrating metadata on scientific observations, measurements, and processed data in descriptive and empirical sciences. Its main purpose is to facilitate the management, integration, and dissemination of research data, as well as their exchange and reuse. Find the latest version here.

Library Reference Model (LRM) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
The Library Reference Model was developed for the library sector. It consolidates the predecessor models Functional Requirements for Bibliographical Records (FRBR), Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD), and Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD), covering all aspects of bibliographic data.
Publication of the ontology

LRMoo: object-oriented definition and mapping from the IFLA Library Reference Model of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
LRMoo is a formal ontology that captures the underlying semantics of bibliographic information and, through harmonisation with CIDOC CRM, facilitates the integration, mediation, and exchange of information from libraries, museums, and similar institutions.
Publication of the ontology

Records in Contexts Conceptual Model (RiC-CM) of the International Council on Archives (ICA)
The aim of the new RiC-CM standard for the archival sector is to align the four existing standards for archives General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)), International Standard Archival Authority Records—Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families (ISAAR(CPF)), International Standard Description of Functions (ISDF), and International Standard Description of Institutions with Archival Holdings (ISDIAH), and to develop them into an integrated, advanced form.
Publication of the ontology