This International Standard describes the framework for a number of International Standards that specify a specialised information system, called an Information Resource Dictionary System (IRDS). An IRDS is used to control and document an enterprise's information resources.

This International Standard defines the data levels relevant to an IRDS. It defines the IRDSinterfaces which are prescribed by other International Standards in the IRDS family of standards. It also defines the kinds of data content that are prescribed by other International Standards in the family.