The CRM is the first formal ontology aimed at facilitating interchange and interoperability of cultural heritage information between museums, libraries and archives. Developed by the ICOM/CIDOC Documentation Standards working group, it is currently under evaluation by ISO TC46 SC4 as a potential international standard (ISO 21127). Acceptance by ISO will give the model a formal international status and ensure its long term availability to users and implementers. By the start of the project, the CRM was biased towards requirements of fine arts collections.
The present network is aiming at broadening the scope of the model to cover the needs of all kinds of museums and their communications with libraries and archives. This network of stakeholders will directly support the ISO process through research, dissemination, preparation of documentation and participation in the work of the ISO working group. Participants will also make use of their spheres of collaboration.