Issue 405: Funding CIDOC CRM Maintenance

In the 42nd joined meeting of the CIDOC CRM SIG and ISO/TC46/SC4/WG9 and the 35th FRBR - CIDOC CRM Harmonization meeting, during the discussion about the issue 403, It has been stated that FORTH almost single-handedly and pro-bono maintains a great number of compatible versions, together with a large number of byproducts that need become available with each new release. Furthermore, it has been proposed by MD that other institutions should take up some of the burden.

FB has proposed that a way out of this situation, and gave a number of alternative solutions, namely  establishing a partnership to carry it out the IT-work or create a community of paying members.

It was decided that this be treated as a new issue for the crm-sig to decide upon.

MD mentioned that looking for sponsorship should go through CIDOC, and that the organization should be in agreement. Furthermore, since this will involve asking for international sponsorship, any financial transactions should be 100% transparent. He also proposed that –if CIDOC and everyone in the crm-sig agrees with looking for sponsorship –this could be handled through FORTH, because it’s a non-profit organization overseen by/under the supervision of the Greek state –hence transparency in any financial transactions would not be an issue.

MD, GB are assigned with contacting Monika Hagedorn-Saupe to check if CIDOC endorses this proposal. Once they have an official response, people will be able to comment on this issue.

Berlin, November 2018