Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Administrative and preservation metadata > Using METS for the preservation and dissemination of digital archives
Using METS for the preservation and dissemination of digital archives
Introduction
METS profiles
METS profiles describe the application of METS in a specific project or institution. These profiles are expressed in XML and provide detailed guidance for others in creating and processing METS documents, for a particular class, conforming to that profile. For example, the Library of Congress are creating a different METS profile for typical Library items, such as books, photographs and CDs. Institutions creating profiles may register them with the Library of Congress Network Development and MARC Standards Office after they are approved by the METS Editorial Board; such profiles will be published so that others can create METS files that conform to them.
A schema for compiling a METS profile is provided via the METS website; projects and institutions which register a profile should ensure that their METS files reference this profile.
