LAR Defined

• The lar framework was designed to create metadata that complies with the principals of Learning Application Readiness. An educational resource might be classroom-ready, but unless the metadata describes it in a useful way, the resource will not be discoverable.
• More fields are required in lar than in nsdl_dc (for example, education level, format, language, etc.). There are also more fields that use controlled vocabularies instead of free-text. This helps to ensure metadata is of the highest quality, which in turns allows us to build user-centered search services on top of the metadata.

XML Schema Information

NOTE: This information is required to make this metadata format work in the jOAI application:

• Schema: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/lar.xsd
• Namespace: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/
• Format name: lar
• Elements should not be qualified with the namespace (i.e. <title>, not <lar:title>)

NOTE: Schema information is always the most accurate information; it supersedes any documentation

Sample Records in XML

• http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/records/test.xml 
• http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/records/all-fields.xml (sample record showing all possible fields utilized)

Creating a LAR metadata record

The LAR Best Practices contain detailed instruction for each lar metadata field, however here is a brief overview of the required fields (field names in italics):

NOTE: To find definitions of the controlled vocabulary terms listed below, please refer to the LAR Best Practices.

• Know the URL of the resource---this will be the resource identifier. Identifiers must be the actual URL on which the resource is located. If you would like to provide a landing page or supplemental information page, there is an optional field for that (partnerURL). 
• The date of the metadata record's creation is recordDate. The date of the resource, on the other hand, is date, and must specify dateType ('Created', 'Published', or 'Modified').
• Choose the appropriate title for the resource and give a brief, informative description. Keep in mind that search results for user search terms will be ordered depending on the text in these fields.
• Select one or more subject terms from the controlled vocabulary list at http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/subject.xsd.
• Choose language from the controlled vocabulary list at http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/language.xsd.
• As all NSDL resources must be internet-based, determine what applications are necessary to use the resource. Then choose a format from the controlled vocabulary: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/format.xsd.
• Education Level is a very important search criteria. Choose which _educationLevel_ the resource is intended for from the controlled vocabulary: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/educationLevel.xsd.
• For audienceRefinement, choose whether your resource is intended for an 'Educator' (i.e. a teacher's guide or professional development information) or a 'Learner' (i.e. a game or animation). In many cases it might be appropriate for both, in which case select 'Educator and learner'.
• The type of resource should be chosen from a controlled vocabulary at http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/typeResource.xsd.
• The entity responsible for the resource's creation (as opposed to the metadata record) should be listed as contributor. Choose from Collection Developer, Creator, Editor, Funder, or Publisher as contributor role.
• Use the accessRestrictions field to indicate whether the resource is available for free, or by subsription or purchase using the controlled vocabulary: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/accessRestrictions.xsd 
• Use the license field to describe the type of licensing for the resource's intellectual property rights. For its attribute license name, choose either from the controlled vocabulary at http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/typeLicense.xsd or enter another value free-text. Choose from one or more of the controlled vocabulary for the other attribute, license property: http://ns.nsdl.org/ncs/lar/1.00/schemas/vocabs/property.xsd