Overview - ISO/IEC TR 19788-11:2017 (Migration from LOM to MLR)
ISO/IEC TR 19788-11:2017 is a technical report that provides guidance, rules and heuristics for migrating metadata from the IEEE LOM (Learning Object Metadata, IEEE 1484.12.1-2002) model to the ISO/IEC 19788 MLR (Metadata for Learning Resources) data element set. It documents practical conversion approaches, examples and representations (MLR abstract syntax and Turtle RDF syntax) to help organisations convert legacy LOM records into MLR-compliant metadata. The report notes that not all LOM elements map directly to MLR and that coverage will improve as more parts of the ISO/IEC 19788 series are published.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Conversion rules and heuristics: Stepwise guidance for developing a conversion script (crosswalk) from LOM to MLR.
- Category-by-category mapping: Mapping guidance for LOM categories (General, Lifecycle, Meta‑metadata, Technical, Educational, Rights, Relation, Annotation, Classification).
- Representation formats: Use of the MLR abstract syntax and RDF/Turtle concrete syntax for encoded MLR data elements.
- Structured MLR strings: Techniques for expressing LOM aggregate elements and controlled‑vocabulary items as structured literals (examples include catalog/entry or source/value pairs).
- Ordered lists and graph vs tree modelling: Considerations for LOM lists, order preservation and representing trees as RDF graphs.
- MLR records and web architecture: Encoding of MLR records, mutable records, HTTP IRI usage, and content negotiation implications.
- Examples and annexes: LOM instance examples, full MLR record examples, and guidance on structured literals to support implementation and testing.
Practical applications and who should use it
This report is practical for:
- Metadata specialists and librarians migrating learning repository records.
- LMS and repository developers building conversion tools or ingestion pipelines (LOM → MLR).
- Standards architects and integrators designing interoperable learning metadata and RDF-based discovery services.
- E‑learning content providers and institutions consolidating legacy metadata for improved search, discovery and multilingual/cultural adaptability.
Benefits include improved interoperability, RDF-based linked data compatibility, and a clearer migration path from legacy LOM catalogs to the MLR framework.
Related standards
- IEEE 1484.12.1-2002 (LOM) - source model for migration.
- ISO/IEC 19788 series (MLR), especially ISO/IEC 19788-1:2011 (MLR Framework) and ISO/IEC 19788-7 (Bindings / Turtle examples) - referenced for syntax, semantics and broader MLR data element specifications.
Keywords: ISO/IEC TR 19788-11:2017, LOM to MLR migration, metadata for learning resources, conversion script, RDF Turtle, structured MLR strings, learning metadata interoperability.