The Library of Congress’ Bibliographic Framework Transition Initiative released news today of a General Plan (10 pages) outlining requirements and a timeline for the effort to replace MARC, the carrier for library data:

The new bibliographic framework project will be focused on the Web environment, Linked Data principles and mechanisms, and the Resource Description Framework (RDF) as a basic data model (p. 4).

The report identifies XML as the preferred metalanguage for this future bib framework. In addition, the report mentions examining other initiatives including PREMIS (Preservation Metadata Implementation Strategies), METS (Metadata Encoding Transfer Standard), MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema), and MADS (Metadata Authority Description Schema) and how each of these are expressed (or might be expressed) in RDF.

In her cover note, Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services at the Library of Congress, asks for comments on the general plan and recommendations for advisory or technical committee members.

Naturally, discussion is welcome here too!