A method and architecture for reading and updating metadata. A policy component is arranged to receive a request to read or update metadata that may include metadata from a plurality of standards. Each metadata format potentially includes a field corresponding to the request. The policy component determines which fields to read or update in satisfying the request by consulting a repository. The repository includes mappings that map information included in the request (e.g., a path) to locations in the metadata corresponding to the request. The policy component uses the locations to read or update the metadata.