Blackwell’s shifts to BDS for metadata

Blackwell’s has done a “significant” deal with libraries metadata supplier BDS, with BDS set to provide its core bibliographic and extended data. The bookseller's metadata was previously supplied by Nielsen.

The new deal covers data for Blackwell's website and its shops, and will see BDS and Blackwell’s working together to develop metadata for a global market.

BDS has supplied metadata to libraries since 1995 and currently supplies every public library service in the UK. It supplies metadata not just books but also for film/DVD, music and games.

Blackwell’s digital director Kieron Smith commented: “BDS has demonstrated its ability to deliver data which meets our focus on taking the business forward online. This includes fundamental support for non-Latin text and exciting classification initiatives such as Thema, to which we will be transitioning at the end of March. Given the centrality of metadata to what Blackwell’s is trying to achieve online, it is crucial that publishers take this opportunity to review their content with BDS and Blackwell’s to make sure it is as excellent as it can be.”

BDS trade sales director Barry Smith said his company was “renowned for innovative services developed through working closely with and adapting to the demands of new customers”, and that he was “delighted” by the new deal.