Related pages
Thema Implementation: Practical Considerations
Offsite: Editeur's Thema page -- see Basic Instructions.PDF and full code list
Overview
Thema is a subject classification system for designed to support trade book publishing and, like . Like the familiar BISAC or BIC systems, the idea is not to create an exhaustive subject system to describe all possible subjects (formal library subject systems do that better) . A book-based but a book trade subject system is more contained, easier to learn and apply than a broad library system, and only supports . They only support classifications where a reasonable number of published books exist.
What is new is that Thema is intended to support differentiates Thema from BISAC or BIC is Thema supports both international and national marketing of books . It combines a single international subject code list with six hierarchical qualifier lists. Each qualifier list provides common codes for international use, but they also include country codes and national market-specific codes that allow each qualifier code list to be subdivided. Thema not only works for international markets, but every country-based market can personalize the lists for while BISAC and BIC represent the subject needs of a single market. Thema does this by combining a single international Subject Category list with six Qualifier Code lists. Each Qualifier Code lists provide generic values common to all markets, but when appropriate Qualifier lists can include country specific codes – National Extensions -- that allow each list to be subdivided as granularity as the individual country needs. (See Thema Basics for details) Other countries (or markets) can use or ignore that detail because the code system is hierarchical and the source "international codes" are always available. Thema works for international markets and each country can personalize the lists for use within their own supply chain.
This document assumes ONIX records are being used for data exchange but Thema is a completely independent standard. It may even seem to duplicate areas covered by ONIX: two examples are Audience (contained in the Special Interest list) and Education (its own Qualifier list). Here, BookNet Canada recommends supporting the current ONIX values in the North American market, which are well used and supported now. Publishers should not feel it's necessary to add redundant metadata. BookNet Canada does not discourage Canadian publishers from selling their books in other markets, and redundancy in these codes normally means there are different practices in other markets. For example, the United Kingdom uses Thema education codes to identify books for their national curriculum. Publishers should feel welcome to support other market's national codes if their books are appropriate to that market's supply chain needs and are readily available for sale in that market.
Getting Started With Thema
TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Ultimately, Thema is intended to replace the current North American BISAC subject system. However, BookNet and BISG will continue to support BISAC for the foreseeable future, and no sunset date has been set for BISAC codes.
BookNet Canada's expectation is that books being marketed internationally will see the most immediate benefits from the shift to Thema. Therefore, booksellers and publishers handling international sales may wish to transition as soon as possible.
We are asking publishers to run Thema and BISAC codes simultaneously to allow for a transition period where publishers and retailers are able to provide feedback about the system, and learn to use the Thema codes effectively.
HOW TO GET STARTED
A good place to start implementing Thema is with your front-list titles. As mentioned above, we expect that publishers and retailers will use both BISAC and Thema codes concurrently for some time, and communicate any issues they encounter during that time to us at biblio@booknetcanada.ca.
...
Thema is recommended for Canadian Publishers
For BookNet Canada it's a no brainer: Thema offers better access to markets outside of North America and better coding options for Canada. Canadian publishers should use Thema. Unfortunately BISAC Subject Codes continue to be used almost exclusively in the US and by Canadian retailers. You can't ignore or stop using BISAC, but the two systems are fairly compatible and the BISAC to Thema Translator can be a big help in classification of books and back list.
Resources:
Thema Version 1.2 is available from EDItEUR: www.editeur.org/151/Thema
...
BookNet Canada has organized a Thema working news group for English-language Canadian publishers. If you would like to participatejoin, please contact biblio@booknetcanada.ca. If demand is evident, BookNet Canada may develop a news group for users who are implementing Thema to exchange information. If you would be interested in joining this mailing list, please This group can inform and make suggestion to BNC's Bibliographic Committee. It represents the Canadian English Language National Group that reports to Thema International.
Make suggestions! Try not to re-write the system make it compatible with your publishing program but if you can demonstrate that there are a group of books that share a subject not listed that value can and should be added to Thema, and for that matter BISAC.
Please let us know at biblio@booknetcanada.ca.
...
The BTLF is your resource for information about the transition to Thema. You can contact the BTLF directly for further information.
LEARN MORE
Thema Basics: Subject Catgories, Qualifier Codes, National Qualifier Lists
Thema Implementation: Practical Considerations
GET THEMA DOWNLOADS FROM
...