Program Details
Currently Certified Organizations
Application Process

It's a fact -- good data sells books!

More than ever, today's book industry benefits from timely and accurate product data that better markets and sells books. The Product Data Certification Program (PDCP) is a unique and effective certification program that promotes the use of quality product data in the marketplace.

---

"In the digital reselling space a publisher's metadata feed becomes exponentially important. It is the responsibility of all publishers to get certified by the BISG so downstream recipients can build to standards, which in turn will reduce sales reporting errors, improve the search and discovery process for books in general and make the entire industry more efficient."

--Neil DeYoung, Director of Digital Media, Hachette

---

Program Details | Currently Certified Organizations | Application Process

What is BISG's Product Data Certification Program?

The PDCP is a voluntary program that objectively evaluates product information against the clearly defined criteria found in the Metadata Committee's Product Metadata Best Practices for Data Senders. Data files, submitted in either ONIX or Excel, are evaluated by a certification panel managed, supervised and supported by BISG. The panel comprises representatives from leading data recipients in North America, including Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Bowker, Ingram and the Library of Congress. Click here for more information on the evaluation process.

Companies that meet the best practice criteria set by the program for data content and timeliness are certified by BISG as Quality Information Providers, at one of three levels: Gold, Silver or Bronze.

Who can apply?

The PDCP is intended for U.S. publishers, bibliographic data aggregators and any other company responsible for creating or maintaining product information.BISG membership is encouraged for all applicants, but is not a requirement of the Product Data Certification Program.

How do I apply?

Just fill out a brief online application form, and upload your data file and company logo to BISG's secure ftp server. The application form and instructions for uploading your files can be found here.

Is there a charge to participate?

The program is free of charge.

---

"The importance of timely and accurate product metadata cannot be underestimated, especially in this era of online retailing. Good metadata helps insure that pricing and territorial restrictions are upheld while promoting better search and discovery, making content easier for the consumer to find. This is why programs such as BISG's PDCP are so important for anyone receiving and sending data, and it's why we at Wiley advocate participation and are certified ourselves."

--Peter Balis, Director, Digital Content Sales, John Wiley & Sons

---

Program Details | Currently Certified Organizations | Application Process