Introduction to Bibliographic Data Feeds

One of the key functions of the Stison system is a comprehensive approach to metadata communication. Our system allows you to generate and send feeds using ONIX and a number of other formats, from the titles that you have contained within the Title Manager module. Once the feeds are set up, your metadata communication will be completely automated, meaning that all you need to focus on is updating and maintaining your metadata within the system.

What is ONIX? 

ONIX for Books is the standard data format used to communicate information about books and book-related products. Think of it like a language that each computer system used by members of the supply chain is able to understand. The ONIX standard is what simplifies communication within the supply chain, as the data is structured and labelled in a way that remains consistent between data recipients. 

Your title data can be sent in what is called an ONIX file, in which each data element is represented by a specific ONIX code. The Stison system allows you to generate ONIX files for your titles both manually and automatically. This can be done within Title Manager and via the various options in our Onix/Destinations menu. 

For more information about the ONIX standard, visit the EDitEUR website: https://www.editeur.org/

 

Sending ONIX from Stison

ONIX distribution can be done directly from the Stison system. Within our Onix/Dest. menu, you have the ability to set up automated feeds to each data recipient looking to receive information about your titles. Each recipient can be set up as an individual destination to send your ONIX to, with filters and options that can be set on each feed to configure exactly what you would like to send and how regularly. 

Once you have done this, the feed will send data automatically every time you have made an update to your title data. There are options on your feed to send full ONIX files or empty files in every instance, which you can read more about here.

Before sending your data, we recommend that you check our inbuilt Onix Pre-Flight report, which will scan all of the data across your titles and flag instances in which it may not be ready to send across the supply chain.

Sending content files

Stison also provides the ability for you to create automated feeds for your cover images and eBooks, simplifying the process of transferring your files. 

Sending your metadata in alternative formats

The Stison system also allows you to export your data in other formats, such as CSV, or using alternative XML structures. If you have a specific output that you would like to send, please contact [e-mail] for more information.

Our guidance on Bibliographic Data Feeds will take you through the process of setting up your automated feeds, as well as how to trouble shoot potential issues with those feeds.