Metadata
Capabilities
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What is the MCD?

The Metadata Capabilities Directory (MCD) is a vital free facility provided by BIC that enables supply chain partners to share key metadata activity with each other.

The Directory is a secure database of survey responses from a wide range of organisations and by contributing to it participants are able to benchmark their own actions and identify potential improvements to their metadata systems and processes.

Get started with the MCD

Join the many organisations who already use the MCD

The MCD is an important step toward providing greater transparency and insight into the supply chain for metadata in the UK book industry.
Howard Willows
Senior Manager, Data Development, Nielsen Book
Participating in the Metadata Capabilities Directory is the single most impactful action Independent Booksellers can take to influence this most critical of tools (product metadata).
Antonia Squire
Proprietor, The Bookshop, Bridport
…very helpful survey, especially for those with older legacy systems.
Matthew Hogg
Director of Publisher & Customer Services, Macmillan Distribution (MDL)
…a great overview of metadata practice in the industry as a whole and will become increasingly valuable with each new organisation that joins.
Martin Klopstock
Digital and Operations Director, Kogan Page Ltd.
A fantastic opportunity for the book supply chain to understand the flow of data, the relevance of specific information, and the way in which that data is used.
Simon Pallant
Digital and IT Services Manager, Gardeners

How will you benefit from your contribution?

  • Increased intelligence of how other contributing organisations supply/use metadata.
  • Improved visibility, discovery and representation of products within the supply chain.
  • Increased efficiency of metadata supply chain resources.

For more details click on the button below.

Download Benefits for Contributors Summary

Contributors will be able to benchmark their own metadata capabilities against the whole supply chain, against other relevant organisations and against the needs of their supply chain and trading partners.

The MCD can be used to identify:

  • Metadata gaps – Product characteristics that could be supplied/accepted but are not.
  • Data transformation – Where data quality changes as it moves through the supply chain.
  • Development potential – Opportunities to improve product data clarity.

How can I join?

You can join the MCD by completing our MCD Survey, whereby you will be making a full contribution to the Directory.

There is no cost and it is only available to organisations that are BIC members.

You will join a growing group of organisations from across the UK’s book metadata supply chain that are providing information to the MCD about their metadata activities.

Live information from MCD contributions
as from November 2021 to

Data is generated directly from the MCD on a monthly basis.

Contributing Organisations

28 %

Only SUPPLY
Metadata

43%

RECEIVE and SUPPLY
Metadata

29%

Only RECEIVE
Metadata

Keeping the MCD current

When your contribution has been approved the authorised individual in your organisation will be provided with secure, read-only access to the Directory, enabling a view of all survey responses from all other participating organisations.

You are encouraged to review and selectively update your own submission regularly to ensure that the MCD continues to represent your present status.

How do I update
my submission?

If you need to update your MCD submission to make a correction or provide the latest information then please follow the link that was emailed to you after making your initial submission. If you have lost this link then please contact us.

Terms of Reference | Benefit Statement for Contributors | Code of Practice for Participants