The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has released “Product Metadata Best Practices for Data Recipients,” which is available free of charge at the trade association’s Web site, http://www.BISG.org. The publication, which is aimed at improving the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of data throughout the book supply chain, establishes 14 points of best practice for recipients of product information. It also includes a glossary of common terms and definitions.
The publication was prepared over several months by the BISAC Metadata Committee, led by Richard Stark of Barnes & Noble, and was contributed to by a large, diverse group of BISG members, including publishers, booksellers, wholesalers and bibliographic agencies.
“The prominent role played by BISG and BISAC in promoting high-quality product information in our industry has been established over many years in our work on the ONIX standard, best-practice guidelines and, more recently, data certification,” says Michael Healy, executive director of BISG. “This new document, however, represents a change of focus. For the first time, we are highlighting the vital role played by those who receive product information—booksellers, wholesalers and bibliographic agencies—in the overall effort to raise standards. Good product information is a collaboration, and this new document sets out clearly what data recipients can do to help our industry sell more books through the provision of good data.”
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