Created by the book industry, for the book industry

For an empowered, informed supply chain

Established in 1991, BIC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation without commercial objective or emphasis. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with key stakeholders in the UK book industry to produce quality training courses that are created and delivered by expert, highly respected trainers on a wide range of supply chain topics. Being a not-for-profit organisation, BIC is able to offer all of its training at highly competitive rates. If there is a topic that you would like us to provide training on, that we do not provide at present, get in touch; we also welcome enquires about the provision of bespoke in-house courses.

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BIC's Implementing Thema Half-Day Course 

Purpose of the Course
By providing an introduction to Thema – the international subject classification scheme for the global book trade – this course will explain the need for such a scheme; its origins, development and uptake; its benefits across the trade; and the key differences (and similarities) between the BIC subject classification scheme and Thema.

This course also provides delegates with the opportunity to experiment and have hands-on experience with applying correct Thema codes.

Benefits of Attending
Besides providing an overview of Thema (as outlined, above), this course will guide delegates through the principles behind the implementation of Thema in their systems and product records, and in managing the migration from BIC (the current UK standard) to Thema (its international replacement). 

While not a detailed, comprehensive training session in Thema coding practice, this course will include the opportunity for practical, hands-on experience with guidance on best practice in Thema application, in the context of demonstrating how accurate Thema subject classification is essential for effective search and discovery in-store and online.

To ensure our attendees get the most out of the day, we limit the number of delegates for this course to 12.

Course Level
This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in book product data quality in general, and book subject classification in particular. Whatever your background, whether from an editorial, marketing or systems perspective, this course is relevant to individuals from all professional disciplines within the trade. Some familiarity with bibliographic subject classification (e.g. use of schemes such as BIC, BISAC or Thema) is assumed, but not considered essential.

Course Outline
Prior to the course, delegates will be contacted to enquire whether they have any specific areas of concern / interest. Although the course can be tailored to its attendees to a certain degree, the overall content is as follows:

• An Introduction to Thema including its origins, benefits, development and adoption
• Thema Implementation
• Context, i.e. how Thema codes are used globally
• Hands-on, practical sessions in assigning Thema codes

Read the full course outline here.

The Trainer

Howard Willows

Senior Manager, Data Development

Nielsen Book

Howard has been driving the development of Thema – the international subject classification scheme for the global book trade – from its inception in 2011, and was the first Chair of the Thema International Steering Committee. Working in the book trade since 1987, Howard has been associated with the development of a number of industry standards, including the BIC Standard Subject Category Scheme and ONIX. 

At Nielsen Book, Howard has key responsibilities for all aspects of product data quality and the development of systems and processes in conformance with approved industry standards.

Feedback for this Course
What component of the training was most effective for you? “All of it. I needed to know more about Thema as I was starting from scratch. I needed a proper understanding of what it was, how it works, who uses it and how we could implement it. This course tackled all these points in a methodical, sensible and informative way.” - Anon.

“I would recommend this course and will communicate elements of it across my business.” - Anon.

“Come get your questions answered.” - Gopi Rajendran, Klopotek

Date & Frequency of this Course in 2019
Tuesday 29th October 2019.
This course will run twice in 2019.

Bespoke and In-House Training
BIC is committed to providing high quality, accessible training for the book industry. We are able to provide both bespoke courses and in-house training to suit your requirements. This courses is suitable for in-house training so please do contact us to request further information or to make a booking: info@bic.org.uk

Course Location
The Publishers Association, London.

Course Length
This is a half-day course.

Prices
BIC Members £170 + VAT
Friends of BIC £210 + VAT
Non Members £240 + VAT

NB: Travel and accommodation costs are not included in the ticket price.

Discounted rates apply to BIC members only.
Not sure if your organisation is a BIC member? Check our members list here.

Alternative Payment Option: If you would prefer BIC to invoice your organisation directly, please contact info@bic.org.uk. Please note that this process will incur a £20.00 administration fee.

On the Day 
Refreshments will be provided throughout the afternoon.

WiFi Access
A password will be provided on the day to delegates.

Travel Information
Tube / Rail Stations:
London Bridge, Borough, Southwark
www.tfl.gov.uk | www.nationalrail.co.uk

Airports:
London City Airport – 8 miles, ca 50 min by car
Heathrow – 30miles, ca 80 min by car
Luton – 35 miles, ca 80 min by car
Stansted – 40 miles, ca 70 min by car
Gatwick – 50 miles, ca 85 min by car

Car Parks:
Great Suffolk Street Car Park (approx 7 min walk)
www.unioncarparks.co.uk

London Bridge Car Park (approx 10 min walk)
www.ncp.co.uk

Conquer Publishing Discoverability with BIC
BookMachine have teamed up with BIC to make sure that everyone who takes a BIC training course can be discovered quickly on BookMachine Connect. The courses are taught by experts in their field and teach all the core skills that those working in the publishing supply chain need to make a success of their careers. Find out more here: http://www.bic.org.uk/143/Conquer-Publishing-Discoverability-with-BIC/ 

Course Cancellations

Please note: as we price our training courses so keenly, the running of them is dependent on there being a set minimum number of delegates registered by the time the booking period ceases. For this reason, please be aware that unfortunately some courses may be cancelled if this requirement is not met. Should this happen, BIC will arrange for full refunds for all training courses booked. We will liaise with registered delegates at least 2 weeks prior to each course date regarding this. BIC apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Refund Policy

Please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with our refund policy:

Should you need to cancel your ticket, refunds may be given as follows:

• Up to 6 calendar weeks (i.e. 42 calendar days) before the event: full refund
• Less than 6 calendar weeks, but more than 2 calendar weeks (i.e. 14 days) before the event: 50% refund
• Less than 2 calendar weeks before the event: no refund.

If you (or a colleague in your place) do not attend the training course you have booked, no refund will be given.

Please note: Tickets are transferable within your organisation.