BDS works with publishers worldwide to create catalogue records for English language content* before and after publication. Records are created for physical, digital, and open access publications. This service is completely free to publishers.
See our Why Work with BDS for a full explanation of the benefits to publishers.
Working with BDS
All you need to do is to establish a data feed to BDS for your pre-publication information and, subsequently, provide a full-text digital copy of your publication. This is a straightforward process.
Our preferred way to receive pre-publication information about your forthcoming publications, or backlist titles, is to receive ONIX files.
Our preferred way to receive full-text digital content is to receive files in pdf format.
Pre-Publication Information
The metadata we create will only be as good as the details you supply, so please provide the fullest information available, including digital images. While ONIX files are the best method of supplying this information, if you are unable to provide ONIX, we can accept information in alternative forms, such as catalogues, spreadsheets and printed Advance Information sheets.
Publishers without access to ONIX can also use our online form to upload information or send printed information. Please see our Upload Your Metadata page.
Contact [email protected] if you require more information on this process.
Full-Text Digital Content
Access to a digital copy of the full text of your publication is essential to create a comprehensive and accurate record that adheres to all current bibliographic standards and can be used for reference and citation purposes. Ideally, BDS requires full-text content as soon as it is available. BDS will create a full, library-quality record and keep it up to date throughout the life cycle of your publication.
The best format to send a digital, full-text copy of your publication is in the pdf format, however BDS can receive other formats. Contact [email protected] for more information.
How To Send Full-Text Content
Send your publications direct to BDS or via a digital supplier such as CoreSource, Mare Nostrum or BooksOnix.
BDS uses encryption to ensure the highest level of security and will be contractually bound to protect your content. Once a record is created, your publication is archived in an encrypted digital vault and only retrieved to undertake any revisions to the record required in the future.
Purchasing MARC records from BDS
BDS can supply MARC records to publishers. See our MARC & Publishers page for more details on why MARC records are vital to access the library market, including academic and public libraries. This is a chargeable service.
*Records can be created for content in any language, including Gaelic, Irish and Welsh, providing it has an English language, Roman alphabet description.