The Book Industry Study Group (BISG), a US-based book industry trade association, has announced the publication of a report titled Development, Use, and Modification of Book Product Metadata. The 37-page report details how publishers, retailers and other industry stakeholders create and use metadata.
The report, prepared for BISG by Brian O'Leary of Magellan Media Consulting, presents both process and future proofing recommendations to improve product metadata in the supply chain. It was compiled from interviews with more than 30 industry stakeholders and a survey of the entire BISG membership. The report is projected to serve as an important document for BISG's Metadata Committee.
A key component of the best practices document is the identification of 31 core metadata elements -- price, publication date, ISBN, etc. -- that should be included or acknowledged in every metadata feed. The new report identifies an additional 39 data element, largely in the area of marketing that have become increasingly important to both data senders and receivers.
A five-page executive summary of the report is available free to all BISG members, and for a nominal fee to non-members. The full report is available for purchase at member and non-member prices. Both documents can be ordered at http://www.bisg.org/publications/product.php?p=27&c=437
