The Shapes Constraint Language (SHACL) is a formal language for validating RDF graphs against a set of conditions. Following its basic ideas and implementing a subset of the language (the constraints), the Metadata Quality Assessment Framework provides Shacl4Bib: a mechanism to define SHACL-like rules for data sources in non-RDF based formats, such as XML, CSV and JSON. With Shacl4Bib the creators or aggregators of metadata records can create custom criteria and validate their data. QA catalogue extends this concept further to MARC21, UNIMARC and PICA data. The criteria can be defined either with YAML or JSON configuration files or with Java code. Libraries can validate their data against criteria expressed in a unified language, that improves the clarity and the reusability of custom validation processes. In the Aqinda project a tool called Contrainify is in creation that provides a user interface for editing the validation constraints. The presentation will explain the basic concepts, and show two use cases: how Shacl4Bib is utilized in Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek’s ingestion workflow for LIDO and Dublin Core data, and in Belgian national library, KBR for validation of daily MARC21 record modifications. SHACL is an example how a framework developed for Linked Data could be reused for traditional data formats. Above that quality assessment process might be a step in a data transformation pipeline towards Linked Data.