BookNet Canada is thrilled to share that EDItEUR, the UK-based not-for-profit trade standards body that develops and maintains the ONIX for Books specification, has announced the release of ONIX 3.0.8, following ratification by the ONIX for Books International Steering Committee.
In his announcement, EDItEUR Executive Director and Chief Data Architect Graham Bell confirmed:
The additions in 3.0.8 comprise a major new block of ONIX data — Block 8, <ProductionDetail> — to carry information about production and manufacture of products in the print on demand, e-book and digital audio supply chains. A summary of the changes is attached, or can be read here. This update includes are a handful of relatively minor updates as well, including the addition of <SupportingResources> linked to promotional events in Block 7.
This updated specification is fully backwards-compatible with earlier releases of ONIX 3.0*, so existing ONIX messages remain valid. There are no mandatory new features, and no new deprecations. The Production detail features are isolated in a distinct Block 8 (which occurs between Blocks 5 and 6 in message order).
Complete documentation for the new release can be downloaded from the EDItEUR website:
Specification and updated codelists (PDF)
Note that the new Specification is accompanied by an interim update to Issue 53 of the codelists
XML tools and updated codelists (XSD, RNG, DTD, 'strict' XSD)
*A note to ONIX 2.1 users from BookNet Canada
ONIX 2.1 users should note that ONIX 2.1 was sunset on December 31, 2014, and is considered an Archived Previous Release.
BookNet Canada still recommends that you use and periodically update your copy of EDItEUR's best practices guide. It’s an essential ONIX 3.0 guide, but much of the information in it applies equally to ONIX 2.1.
We’re here to help
There’s now over decade of development available to users in ONIX 3.0. You should be considering what your systems need to support. ONIX 3.0 is easier to develop than you think, and it supports greater accuracy and detail in all aspects of data trading. Plus, the Canadian industry has effectively and efficiently made the transition to ONIX 3.0. You should join us. But, if you’re still in the midst of transitioning to ONIX 3.0, or learning as you go, you’re not alone. Transitioning is no small undertaking. If you’re struggling, have questions, or just need a friendly ear, don’t hesitate to contact us. BookNet is Canadian publishing’s standards organization, your standards organization. We’re here to help. How can we help you best?
If you’d prefer to chat with us and your peers, join us once a month for ONIX Office Hours. Register here. Or read more BNC blog posts on ONIX & bibliographic standards here.
5 questions with Kerri Neil, the owner of Downtown Comics.