What's Happening?
The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has announced proposed changes to the BISAC subject code list, which categorizes books by subject. The BISG's Subject Codes committee has prepared a summary of these
changes and is inviting its members to review and provide comments by December 1. This feedback will be considered before the final update is submitted to BISG's board for ratification. The updated code list is expected to be published in early December, followed by an explanatory webinar scheduled for December 16 at 1 PM EST.
Why It's Important?
The BISAC subject codes are crucial for the book industry as they help in categorizing and marketing books effectively. Changes to these codes can impact how books are classified, discovered, and sold, affecting publishers, authors, and retailers. By inviting feedback from its members, BISG ensures that the updates reflect the needs and perspectives of industry stakeholders, potentially leading to more accurate and useful classifications. This process underscores the importance of collaboration in maintaining industry standards that adapt to evolving market trends and consumer preferences.
What's Next?
Following the feedback period ending December 1, BISG will review the comments and make necessary adjustments to the proposed changes. The final version will be submitted to the board for ratification. Once approved, the updated code list will be published, and the webinar on December 16 will provide further clarification and guidance on the changes. Stakeholders in the book industry will need to adapt to these updates, which may involve revising their categorization strategies and marketing approaches.
