Brake shims??????????
 

Are they necessary with new brakes?

^^^You mean the shims that go on the back of the pads?? They are not necessary. Many new pads come with them, or have them already mounted to the pads. Cheap pads don't come with them.

The other 'spring metal' pieces are needed to keep the pads from floating around in the caliper.

Be sure to use a can of spray brake cleaner and a wire tooth brush to clean the caliper with. Then smear a thin coating of synthetic caliper lube on all the sliding spots, and such.

Sta-lube makes a good one, and it comes in a tube, and will last for many years, and is GREAT for lubing other things instead of regular grease.