BDS: Data and innovation opening new possibilites

BDS’s comprehensive guide to books featured across all media includes the weekly Book & Media e-cast newsletter which remains free to libraries that request it, but the main website now requires a single or multi-user licence to access its huge database of up-to-the-minute information on books that are reviewed in the press, made into TV serialisations or films, discussed on chat shows, read on the radio and featured in blogs or on social networking sites.

“The service has been available for trial for eighteen months,” comments Harry Doherty, Managing Editor of Books & Media. “During that time we perfected the service, added new features and built a huge database of books in the media that goes back over four years. We are confident this is a rock-solid product that addresses what libraries need in today’s vast media culture.”

As well as libraries, Books & Media is already being used by some of the industry’s giants and by individuals who need to keep abreast of the culture of the book. The free weekly newsletter directs users to topical features, so librarians can keep up-to-date with a few clicks of the mouse button. This leads into a wealth of references, search options and detailed information, including library-relevant bibliographic data and cover images, as well as providing links directly to newspaper reviews and providing plan-ahead TV and Radio listings.

The service was started in April 2010 during the London Book Fair and quickly acquired over 800 trial subscriptions. Week by week the database grew and new features were added until Harry Doherty finally decided it was ready for stage two, the introduction of the subscription only service.

“Books & Media will not only prove vital to libraries at a time of growing pressure on budgets when it is critical that stock selection is kept relevant and targeted,” says Sarah Armitage. “Books & Media is indispensable to anyone seriously working with books and it will help customer facing staff address enquiries concerning books in the media swiftly and accurately.”

To sign up for a free two-week trial on all areas of the site and register for the free weekly newsletter visit the Books & Media website, www.booksandmedia.co.uk or write to Harry Doherty on harry.doherty@booksandmedia.co.uk.

Library subscription enquiries should be addressed to Sarah Armitage on sarah.armitage@bibdsl.co.uk, 07860 324 570.