- 5.1. Barcode And Other Identifiers
- 5.2. Tags For Barcode And Other Identifiers
- 5.3. - 5.8.
- 5.9. The "Add Description" Field
- 5.10. Absence Of Identifiers
- 5.11. Information From Stickers
Barcode and Other Identifiers
5.1. This section allows you to enter any identifying numbers and codes such as barcodes, matrix numbers, and other such information. These fields are optional information for a submission, but please bear in mind that the more information that is included, the easier it is to keep the Database correct, and it increases the usability of the data for everyone.
First, click the "Add barcode or other identifier" button:
Select the type of identifier you want to enter from the drop down menu.
You can then enter the identifier in the second field. Click the "Add description" button to open the 'Description' field, if needed.
Use the "Add barcode or other identifier" button to add another row. You can add as many rows as you need.
Tags For Barcode and Other Identifiers
5.2. The following are definitions for all the tags that can be selected in the Barcode and Other Identifiers (BaOI) section.
5.2.a. Barcodes can be sourced from both the barcode text (the numbers printed below the barcode) or by reading with a barcode scanner. Both can be entered into separate barcode fields using the description field to indicate source (text, scanned, etc.). When entering as-on-release text barcodes, please add all spaces and punctuation present. See RSG §5.11 if obtained from a sticker. Generally, a release with a barcode cannot have been made before 1979.
5.2.b. Label Codes are assigned by the GVL to the rights holder of recordings (a performer or producer of recordings). They are a four or five-digit code, usually prefixed with 'LC'. Enter the whole code as it appears, including the 'LC' prefix if present.
Label Codes do not identify the label. To identify the label, see RSG §4.1.2 and RSG §4.6.2. A multi-track release can have multiple Label Codes. Please be aware that these are often mistaken for catalog numbers or matrix numbers. If you have any questions as to how to differentiate between these, ask for help in the forums.
Image of typical Label Code
Example: Germany Calling / Calculator
Label codes were introduced in Germany in May 1976 by GVL to improve the process of royalty payments. In order to be sold in Germany, the product had to have a label code, which effectively meant for all major releases in Europe (and many contemporary worldwide releases).
GVL = Gesellschaft zur Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten
(German copyright collection society, which created and maintains the label code database.)
5.2.c. (reserved for future use)
5.2.d. SID codes (Source Identification Codes) were introduced in 1994 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in order to help combat piracy, were gradually implemented by manufacturers, and appear on optical disc formats (e.g., CD, DVD, Blu-ray).
• A SID Code normally starts with the letters IFPI followed by either four or five alphanumeric digits.
• Do not stylize the logo ifpi when entering.
• One release may have multiple variants of SID codes.
• The Mastering SID Code should start with the letter 'L'.
• The Mould SID Code and Mastering SID Codes have separate fields.
• SID Codes alone cannot identify the manufacturer.
More information on SID codes can be found here.
5.2.e. Pressing Plant ID is an identifier code presented on the release which identifies the pressing plant it was pressed at. If known, please also add the pressing plant to the LCCN section as well.
5.2.f. Distribution Code - Obsolete field, see Price Code.
5.2.g. Price Code is an identifier assigned to determine the price of an audio carrier. Price codes can appear in various forms, e.g., two letters and three digits (BA100, PM 500), circled letters (Ⓐ or Ⓦ), as "series" (Serie Azul, Série Artistique), as a classification (DELUXE), one or two letters (M, AC), two or more digits, often after a dash (-213, 0812), in a value form (0698, 0898), etc. This can also be the record company's (suggested) pricing printed on the release (e.g., $4.98, ¥10,000).
5.2.h. SPARS Code is a three letter code developed by the Society Of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS) that appears on compact discs and records.
5.2.i. Depósito Legal or Legal Deposit is a code assigned by a government's copyright office or central library. The prefix is sometimes printed as D.L.
5.2.j. ASIN is the Amazon Standard Identification Number. This is a unique identification number assigned by Amazon.com and its partners for product identification within the Amazon.com organization. Please provide Submission Notes that point to the relevant release on Amazon. This number should only be applied to releases manufactured by Amazon (CD-Rs), physical releases exclusive to Amazon and digital files sold by Amazon.
5.2.k. ISRC or International Standard Recording Code. As these apply to individual tracks, please use the description field to note which position it applies to. These should only be added when they are printed on the physical release or can be extracted from the release via software. Please do not add these from internet sources.
5.2.l. Rights Society is an association that administers the rights to the artists recorded work, such as collecting royalties for radio and TV usage, etc. A list of them are on our country guideline page. An example is "ASCAP"
5.2.m. Other - This field can be used for any other identifying number or code on the release (e.g., RSG §4.7.6 individual disc catalogue numbers, date codes, fabrication codes, etc.).
5.2.n. Matrix (Label) - can often be found printed on the release. These can be added in separate fields, with a description of location (e.g., Side A label, Side B label).
• Parentheses surrounding an entire printed matrix number should not be included; only use to separate parts of the matrix if and as on release (e.g., "(XXXX)✤)", or if a distinguishing factor.
• A release may have more than one label matrix. Enter as on release if presented as one consecutive number. If separated on a second line, add as a second label matrix.
• In some cases, the catalogue number appended with the side identification can be identified as a label matrix.
5.2.o. Matrix (Runout) - Matrix/Runout information is often stamped or etched in the runout areas of records or in the inner ring (and sometimes the mould hub) of CDs. This can contain engineer/studio/manufacturer information (often as initials or logos) and extra text, which can be added to the specific corresponding field (company, credit, or within the BAOI). A release may contain multiple variants of runout markings; significant differences for a company, credit or job number will indicate a unique release. Please ask in the Database Forum if you have any questions.
Adding
1) Runout data should be added verbatim as a single string for each media side. Dual-layer media (e.g., DVDs) should have each layer added as separate single string.
2) Only add data, symbols or punctuation that are part of the string. Unidentifiable wording or symbols without an agreed unicode equivalent may be described inside square brackets.
3) Long or complex descriptions about parts of the string being stamped, etched, orientation, or other formatting can be added to the release notes.
4) Use the Unicode strikethrough for any crossed-out data in the string. External site found here.
5) Use the capitalization in the string as found in runouts.
6) Use a single space to denote any size gap.
7) Relevant information contained within the runouts can be expanded upon in the release notes, when needed.
Updating
8) A release may have minor differences in the runout string; you may add as a variant to the release that otherwise matches your version.
9) When adding a new variant, the first cluster of runout data should have "variant 1" added to the description, the new data entered is "variant 2" (or next available number).
10) Variant numbering should not be changed once added. When adding variants from a merged version or when a variant number is missing, please assign the next available variant number, and sort numerically.
11) Incomplete or incorrectly added BaOI data can be removed or corrected if the contributor is not able to verify or correct the variant data they added. Existing subsequent data clusters should not be renumbered to backfill vacated numbers; however, the vacated numbers can be backfilled by new entries.
12) Please keep the runouts/matrix sets together at the bottom, with "static" data above. Do not edit the release for the sole purpose of reordering the BAOI section.
13) The descriptor pattern set by the original submitter should not be changed if it is simple, adequate and describes the location of the data (e.g., "Side A runout", "A-side runout, etched", etc.). It is also the standard setter, and all variants should follow that first pattern.
Records:
Example (1 record) Watching The Wheels
Example (multi record) Hello Rockview
14) A more comprehensive guide on runout information can be found here.
CDs/DVDs:
Example (1 disc) Toxicity
Example (multi disc) CD The Album Collection Vol. 1
15) Each set of data should contain (if applicable): Matrix, Mastering SID Code, and Mould SID Code.
16) Please refer to the associated manufacturer's profile page for any specific instructions on how to enter data.
5.3. This section has been merged into 5.2.d
5.4. This section has been merged into 5.2.c
5.5. This section has been merged into 5.2.j
5.6. This section has been merged into 5.2.l
5.7. This section has been merged into 5.2.b
5.8. This section has been merged into 5.2.m
The "Add Description" Field
5.9. The description field can be used to add any further information regarding the identifier, such as the identifier type, any descriptive text associated with it, its location on the release or anything else that seems significant. If an identifier is associated with only a subset of the total labels on the release, you can include the exact label name(s) it is associated with.
Absence Of Identifiers
5.10. "none" can be entered into any field to indicate the absence of an identifier. Do not add "none" when that field is not applicable (e.g., SID Codes on a vinyl release).
Information From Stickers
5.11. If information is taken from stickers, please declare this in the description and add any further information available. Different data on stickers that have been applied after manufacture do not solely constitute unique releases.