Submitting Names & Associated Data to ITIS

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) partnership depends upon and accepts submissions of taxonomic data from the world scientific community.  ITIS data stewards and other cooperating specialists in the systematics community submit and review data, and thereby enhance the scientific quality of ITIS data.  Data are reviewed and verified, and each scientific name is assigned a Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN), which is a unique and persistent identifier of scientific names of biological organisms within the ITIS reference system. This document is also available as an Adobe® Reader PDF document suitable for printing.

OVERVIEW

ITIS Data Requirements

ITIS focuses resources on obtaining currently valid/accepted scientific biological names, but does accept synonyms.  Data follow the international codes of nomenclature where applicable.  The following data field groups are mandatory for submissions to ITIS (omission of any may result in processing delays):

1.         Scientific Name of the species 

2.         Author(s) of the scientific name

3.         Rank of the scientific name

4.         Usage (current standing:  accepted/valid; not accepted/invalid)

5.         Parent scientific name (mandatory if Scientific Name is accepted/valid)

6.         Associated Accepted Name (mandatory if Scientific Name is not accepted/invalid)

7.         Unacceptability Reason (mandatory if Scientific Name is not accepted/invalid)

8.         Reference for scientific name

These mandatory data fields or field groups and their formats are discussed in more detail under the section "ITIS Data Requirements."  Other data fields that may be included in your data submission to ITIS are included following the required list.

ITIS Submittal Guidelines

For efficient submissions, ITIS requires two major tasks be performed.  The submitter must:

1.         Determine whether names to be submitted are already in the ITIS database.  To do so, select one of two options:

a.         query the ITIS database for each name (this approach is best for a small number of  names, and can provide full information for each name found)

b.         use the “Compare Taxonomy/Nomenclature” tool available on the ITIS website (this  approach is best for a large number of names, but gives only TSNs for each name found)

2.         Submit data for names not found in ITIS.  To do so, determine:

a.         data fields and standards required by ITIS

b.         appropriate format of data file for submission (and tool used to create file)

c.         best option for file delivery

Detailed information on both of these topics is provided below. 

For further information:  contact us at <ITISGATE@si.edu> or by telephone at 1-202-633-2149,

or refer to further documentation on the ITIS Home Page at:  <http://www.itis.gov>

Data Submittal Guidelines

1.  How to Determine if Scientific Names are in the ITIS Database

Use one of two approaches below to check for the name in which you are interested, and for that of the parent of the name (this is the name in the classification hierarchy immediately above the name in question):

·         an example name is the species name Ficus americana

·         the parent name is the genus name Ficus

a. Single queries:  search for one or small number of names

On the ITIS web site <http://www.itis.gov> you can enter individual names to find out if they are in ITIS.  Be sure to specify the appropriate kingdom(s) in your searches.  Note that protists are currently stored under Plantae and Animalia.  As name spellings can vary, consider using wildcards (like Ficus americ*), rather than the complete name.

Another option for single-name queries is to use the ITIS*Canada site <http://www.cbif.gc.ca/itisca/>; this site is updated monthly from the main ITIS database. 

b. Batch process:  search for a large number of names

If you have many names you may want to check batches of names in one process using the online ‘Compare Taxonomy/Nomenclature’ method at <http://www.itis.gov/taxmatch_ftp.html>.  The procedure involves sending a formatted file via FTP, then providing the filename in a web form.  Comparison results are provided as a page in your web browser with presence or absence listed for each scientific name.  The TSN is provided for each name that is found in ITIS.

If you don't find the "parent name" in ITIS, please add its parent to your list for submission.  For each name you do not find in ITIS, consider accounting for spelling variation or typographical errors in your search; your "Ficus americanus" may be in ITIS as "Ficus americana," etc.  If you believe  ITIS has incorrect spellings, please note them when you deliver your submission.

2.       How to Submit Names and Associated Data to ITIS

The following is a list of items to be considered while constructing your submittal.  Included are various approaches that can be used.  It is important to remember that providing data in a standardized manner will greatly increase the ability of ITIS to apply your data in an efficient and timely manner.

a. Tool options

Taxonomic Workbench tool (TWB)

You may build your data file in an ITIS-compatible hierarchy with the TWB available on the ITIS website at <http://www.itis.gov/twb.html>. The TWB User's Guide, also available in Adobe Reader PDF format at <http://www.itis.gov/pdf/twb_ug.pdf > may be consulted for assistance.  Contact ITIS regarding standardization of data formats, particularly references or for other specifics regarding use of the TWB.

Third party software

·         Database

·         Spreadsheet

·         Word processor or text editor

b. File Format

·         This section is applicable only if you are exporting from or building your file with third party software.

·         The format in which the data are received is of critical importance to the efficiency with which ITIS can process submitted names. Each file should contain a header record or row as the first row.  The header record identifies the names of the data fields or field groups and facilitates manipulation of the file in preparation for import into the Taxonomic Workbench.  The header record must include all data fields or field groups for which there are data in the file even if all records do not possess all data. Subsequent to the header row, each line should correspond to one complete record.

·         The data fields or field groups comprising a record must be separated by a special character called a delimiter. The delimiter marks the beginning and end of a unit of data.  Each field or field group position identified in the header record must be delimited even if no value exists.  Characters such as | (pipe), * (asterisk), or tab can be used.  It is best not to use characters embedded in your data.

Examples:

Pipe delimited text file

unit_name1|unit_name2|unit_name3|taxon_author|usage|rank_name|[parent_name]|reference

Canis|||Linnaeus, 1758|valid|genus|Canidae Fischer, 1817|Wilson & Reeder, 1993

Canis|familiaris||Linnaeus, 1758|valid|species|Canis Linnaeus, 1758|Wilson & Reeder, 1993

Canis|familiaris|familiaris|Linnaeus, 1758|valid|subspecies|Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758|Wilson & Reeder, 1993

Mus|||Linnaeus, 1766|valid|genus|Murinae Illiger, 1815|Wilson & Reeder, 1993

Mus|musculus||Linnaeus, 1758|valid|species|Mus Linnaeus, 1766|Wilson & Reeder, 1993

Spreadsheet

Further Comments

If you are building a data file from scratch you might be better served using the TWB, database, or spreadsheet options. These tend to be easier to use in the creation of compatible files. If you have existing data and your options for exporting it from your system are limited, please contact ITIS to identify other options.

c. Data content

The details regarding the content of the data to be submitted are discussed in the ITIS Data Requirements section below.

d. File transfer

·         The completed electronic file should be delivered to the ITIS Gatekeeper (preferably in a compressed format).  If the file is relatively small (not exceeding 1MB), it can safely be sent as an email attachment to <ITISGATE@si.edu>.  If it is larger, please contact the ITIS to arrange an alternative delivery method (probably FTP).

·         Once the file has been received you will be sent a notification of receipt.  Once the file has been assessed (normally within a week of receipt), we will provide estimates of time required for processing your data.  If requested, we can provide status notifications.

Data Requirements

The MANDATORY requirements for each scientific name submitted are specified as follows:  (omission of any of these may result in processing delays)

1.       Scientific Name

Definition  The Latin name used to refer to a particular taxon of any rank (e.g., a subspecies, a genus, a family, etc.). The taxon author is frequently included when citing a scientific name, as it can help distinguish between different uses of the same name (such as homonyms).

Data Elements:

Name     unit_ind1

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   1

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          Indicator of an occurrence of a plant hybrid at the generic level.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List           X

Validation Rules  Applicable to the kingdom Plantae.

Name     unit_name1

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   35

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          The singular or first part of a scientifically accepted label for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Validation Rules  For uninomials (1-part names) this will be the only name field entered.  For binomials/polynomials, this field will be used for the first part of the name.  The names in this position require the initial letter to be capitalized.

Name     unit_ind2

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   1

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          A category indicator positioned between the first and second parts of a binomial/polynomial taxonomic name.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List           X

Name     unit_name2

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   35

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The second part of a scientifically accepted label for a binomial/polynomial occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Informix Name    unit_name2

Validation Rules    For binomials, this will be the last field populated for the name.  For trinomials and quadrinomials, this will be the second position populated.

Name     unit_ind3

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   7

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          A category indicator located within a polynomial taxonomic name.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List          

ssp. (plants and fungi)       subsp. (animals and monerans)

var.

subvar.

f.

subf.

X

Name     unit_name3

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   35

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The third portion of a scientifically accepted label for a polynomial occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Validation Rules    For trinomials this field will be populated with the last part of the taxonomic name.  For quadrinomials and hybrid formulas this field will be populated with the third part of the name.

Name     unit_ind4

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   7

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          A category indicator located within a polynomial taxonomic name.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List          

ssp. (plants and fungi)       subsp. (animals and monerans)

var.

subvar.

f.

subf.

Name     unit_name4

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   35

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The fourth part of a scientifically accepted label for a polynomial occurrence of

Taxonomic Units.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Validation Rules    This is the final position populated for quadrinomials or hybrid formulas.

Examples:

Aceraceae:

unit_name1=Aceraceae

Rana pipiens:

unit_name1=Rana and unit_name2=pipiens

Cuscuta indecora var. bifida:

unit_name1=Cuscuta, unit_name2=indecora, unit_ind3=var. and unit_name3=bifida

Acris gryllus dorsalis:

unit_name1=Acris, unit_name2=gryllus and unit_name3=dorsalis

Further Comments:

·          Note that unit_name4 (and unit_ind4) should rarely be used.  Under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) quadrinomials (not considering the use of a subgenus name) are "unavailable", and normally would not be considered for addition to ITIS.  According to the International Code of Botanic Nomenclature (ICBN), while quadrinomials (like hypothetical example Dichanthelium ovale var. addisonii subvar. americanum) are used with some frequency in the literature, they are not considered properly formed names. ITIS follows ICBN in re-forming such names within the Code's constraints; this does not constitute a nomenclatural act.  The example given would be properly formed as Dichanthelium ovale subvar. americanum, though it may still have the variety as the parent.  If necessary, ITIS will generally add quadrinomials in synonymy.

·          Subgenera also pose a special case.  ITIS stores subgenus records with the genus in unit_name1 and the subgenus in unit_name2 (in parentheses).  Species in the subgenus are formed as usual (genus in unit_name1, specific epithet in unit_name2), and given the subgenus record as the "parent."  The classification within the subgenus is thus maintained via the hierarchical parent association.

·          Hybrid names can usually be accommodated, but would utilize the name fields differently from other scientific names.  Please contact ITIS if you wish to submit hybrid names.

2.      Author(s)

Definition  The person(s) deemed solely responsible for the original description and naming of the taxon.  Certain situations are handled differently under the ICBN (plants & fungi), the ICZN (animals), and the ICNB (bacteria).  Full author information is required at genus rank and below (i.e., species, etc.), and optional above the rank of genus rank (i.e., families, etc.).

Input Rules  Include the full author information in one field or element. "Protists" have historically been treated under both animal and plant traditions; please submit data according to the kingdom supported by your references.

Data Elements:

Name     taxon_author

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   100

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          The author(s) associated with the name of a taxon.

Table      Taxon_Authors_Lookup

Validation Rules  For authorities associated with the animal kingdom, the author(s) and the actual date of the publication in which the author(s) first described the taxon are required.  For authorities associated with the plant and fungi kingdoms, only author(s) is/are required.  Note:  Initially, authors/dates may not be available for all records.

Input Notes  This element should specify the person(s) deemed solely responsible for the original description and naming of a taxon. Required for all names of genus or lower rank (genus, species, etc.); optional at family level and above. Under the ICBN (plants & fungi), revising author(s) responsible for the transferal of a species (or a name at any rank of species or below) to a different genus, or for certain rank changes (i.e., a subfamily name elevated to family rank) are added after the name(s) of the original author(s), which are then placed in parentheses.  Author names generally follow standardized abbreviations in these kingdoms, and names and abbreviations can be looked up in "Authors of plant names: a list of authors of scientific names of plants, with recommended standard forms of their names" (Brummitt & Powell, eds., 1992), or online at <http://www.ipni.org>.  The year of publication is usually not included, and is not required by ITIS. Under the ICZN (animals), the year should be included after the name of last author.  ITIS uses a comma and a space to separate the author(s) and year.  A revision in which a species or variety is transferred to a genus other than the original genus will result in parentheses around the author and year.  The revising author is not cited.  Author names are not abbreviated.  Changing ranks within the same genus (i.e., from subspecies to species) will not result in parenthetical authorship. The International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (ICNB) follows the tradition of including both original and revising authors (as with the ICBN), but years are also included.

Examples:

Following the ICBN traditions:

(Nash) Gould & C.A.Clark

(Ashe) Freckmann

Bickn.

L.

(Miq.) Seem.

Following the ICZN tradition:

(Quoy and Gaimard, 1832)

Roper, 1968

(Férussac, 1834)

(Appellöf, 1886)

Linnaeus, 1758

Following the ICNB tradition (with commas):

(Van Saceghem, 1915) Gordon, 1964

Stackebrandt et al., 1995

(Collins and Stackebrandt, 1989) Tamura and Yokota, 1994

Ophel and Kerr, 1990

3.       Rank

Definition The particular level in a taxonomic classification that a name occupies.  For example,the taxonomic rank of Homo sapiens is species.  ITIS follows the ICBN and ICZN regarding what ranks are recognized below the family level.  ITIS currently supports ranks down to "subspecies" for monerans.

Input Rules ITIS uses internal identifiers to associate names with ranks.  For the purposes of submitting data, the rank name is needed.

Data Elements:

Name     rank_name

SQL Data Type    CHARACTER

Length   15

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          The label associated with the specific level of a taxonomic hierarchy.

Table      Taxonomic_Unit_Types

Values List

Further Comments:

·          If you wish to submit names that have ranks other than these, please contact ITIS.

·          "Protists" have historically been treated under both animal and plant traditions; please submit data under the system supported by your references.

4.       Usage

Definition  Current standing of a scientific name.

Input Rules  Each scientific name is categorized as in current use or in synonymy.  For plants and fungi, usage can be "accepted" or "not accepted." For animals and monerans, usage can be "valid" or "invalid" ("protists" are not yet fully supported as a kingdom in ITIS and are categorized under their historical kingdom placement). If the submission is categorized as not accepted or invalid, an additional data element providing a reason is required.  This "unacceptability reason" provides further clarification regarding why a name is placed in synonymy.

Data Elements:

Name     usage

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   12

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          Current standing of an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List          

accepted (plants and fungi)

not accepted (plants and fungi)

valid (animals and monerans)

invalid (animals and monerans)

Validation Rules  Choice lists are dependent upon the values associated with a kingdom.

5.       Parent

Definition  An ITIS term denoting the taxon that is the next highest level from the subject valid or accepted taxon.  The parent of a species is usually a genus; the parent of a genus is usually a family, and so on.  This parent-child linkage between records is the basis for the classification hierarchy in ITIS. 

Notes  ITIS will need to connect your submitted name(s) to existing names before it (they) can be added to the ITIS database.  If the direct parent of a given name in your list is not in ITIS, then we would need to look for its parent at the next higher level, and so on, until a connection can be made to the existing hierarchy in ITIS.  All the intervening names will need to be added to the ITIS database along with your name; all pertinent names should be included in your submission. Please add the parent of any name you cannot find in ITIS (including parents of parents, etc.) to your list. There is rarely more than one intervening name to add, but it is possible that more would be needed.

Input Rules  All valid/accepted names must have one and only one "parent". The format for the "parent" entry in a given record is to include the full name AND author (if applicable) of the parent in one field.

Examples:

Species=Homo sapiens; enter parent=Homo Linnaeus, 1758

Genus=Arum; enter parent=Araceae (this family does not have an author in ITIS)

Further Comments:

·          If you are unable to provide the parent with your submission, please include one or more fields for whatever classification hierarchy information you have, or indicate the group to which the named taxon is a member (i.e., bird, mayfly, mushroom, etc.).  These bits of information will help us identify appropriate specialists and references we might consult for verification.  Again, incomplete submissions usually take longer to process.

·          "Incertae sedis" (uncertain seat/position) is a special circumstance where a name is considered valid or accepted but is of uncertain position in a classification (i.e., it is known to be in a particular order, but the family it should be assigned to is not known).  This circumstance occurs in groups that are poorly known or for taxa that are particularly difficult to classify.  If you wish to submit names that will involve the use of this concept, please contact ITIS.

6.       Associated Accepted Name

Definition  The scientific name, including author, of the valid or accepted taxon identified as the currently accepted name used for a given invalid or not accepted name. Each name that is in synonymy (junior synonyms, obsolete combinations, etc.) must be connected to one accepted or valid name.  The concept of "parent" is not applicable in such cases.

Notes  ITIS bases the "accepted name" linkage upon the current identification of the type specimen to which the name is anchored.  For all names from superfamily down to the lowest ranks, there should be a type (a specimen) to which the name is ultimately attached (for higher ranks, there is a type taxon, but ultimately these too can be connected to a single specimen.  The type specimen upon which the species name "Corallus enydris" was based is now identified as a member of the species "Corallus hortulanus." Thus, the "accepted name" for Corallus enydris is Corallus hortulanus.

Input Rules  As with "parent" links (see above), the full scientific name and author values from the parent record must be combined into one field in your submission file, in this case under the "accepted name" field.

7.      Unacceptability Reason

Definition An explanation regarding why a given scientific name is judged to be invalid or not accepted. Unacceptability reasons vary among kingdoms.

Data Elements:

Name     unacceptability_reason

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   24

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The cause for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units being identified as not accepted/invalid under the usage element.

Table      Taxonomic_Units

Values List          

Validation Rules  This element is required when usage is set to not accepted (plants and fungi) or invalid (animals and monerans).  Only those reasons for a particular kingdom should be displayed.

8.       Reference for scientific name

Definition  A publication, expert, or other source that provides information relating to a name or associated information.

Input Rules  The references portion of the ITIS data model is slated for revision.  For this reason, entry of references may be performed in either of two ways:  by providing individual data fields as specified below; or by entry of an abbreviated citation (e.g. Wilson and Reeder, 1993) in one field for each record with the full citation provided separately for later substitution.

Data Elements:

Name     reference_author

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   100

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          Writer(s) of a printed reference.

Table      Publications

Input Notes           Include the author(s) and editor(s) of the publication.  The first author's name should be inverted (last name first, see examples below).  If initials are included with the author then use a period after them and separate multiple initials with a period and a space (as in W. E. Bemis, not WE Bemis or W.E. Bemis).  Separate the list with commas, with ", and " before the final author. If editors are to be cited, they should follow the last author, after inserting a " / " (space-slash-space). The last editor should be followed by ", ed." or   ", eds." (comma-space-ed(s)-period).  Editor names should be handled similar to author names, inverting the first editor, separating multiple editors with commas, and adding ", and " before the last editor. If you exceed the number of allotted characters in the author field, type "et al." after the last complete name you can fit.  Diacritical marks (é, ö, etc.) are supported by ITIS.

Examples

Bemis, William

Bemis, William E.

Bemis, W. E.

Bemis, William E., Eric K. Findeis, and Lance Grande

Hasle, Grethe R., and Erik E. Syvertsen / Carmelo R. Tomas, ed.

Bemis, William E. / King, F. Wayne, ed.

Bemis, William E. / King, F. Wayne, and Russell L. Burke, eds.

Roper, Clyde F. E., C. C. Lu, and Michael Vecchione / Voss, N. A., M. Veccione et al., eds.

Name     title

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   255

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The identifying name given an article contained in a printed reference.

Table      Publications

Input Notes           Do not use except for references within a larger printed work. This is the identifying name of a contribution within a printed reference, such as an article contained in a journal or a chapter in a book. Generally, follow the reference's format for capitalization; however, if the reference uses all upper-case, then convert the capitalization to only the first letters of the first word, scientific names, proper nouns, and appropriate words. Secondary titles should be separated from the primary titles by a colon (:) and two spaces. If the title exceeds 255 characters, truncate it to fit and place three periods (...) after the last complete word that fits (add the full title in the publication comment field so it can be recovered later).  Diacritical marks (é, ö, etc.) are supported.

Examples

Chapter 5:  Factors affecting activity in Cnemidophorus

On the Vestimentifera, new phylum:  Six new species, and other taxa, from hydrothermal vents and elsewhere

The Gladius in Teuthoid Systematics

The land and sea mammals of Middle America and the West Indies

Name     publication_name

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   255

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          The identifying title of the printed reference, including volume and number, if applicable.

Table      Publication

Input Notes           This is the identifying name of an overall printed reference (such as a book or journal). The name should be written out completely (do not abbreviate).  For capitalization, generally, follow the reference's format unless it uses all upper-case, in which case convert the capitalization to only the first letters of the first word, scientific names, proper nouns, and appropriate words. Secondary names should be separated from the primary name by a colon (:) and two spaces; volumes, numbers, etc., should appear after the name of the book or journal, preceded by a comma & space, as vol. 3, no. 5, Second Edition, etc.  If the publication name exceeds 255 characters, truncate it to fit and place three periods (...) after the last complete word that fits (but do include needed volume/number info!); if the name is truncated in this manner, add the full publication information in the publication comment field so it can be recovered later.  Diacritical marks (é, ö, etc.) are supported.

Examples

Biology of Whiptail Lizards (Genus Cnemidophorus)

Fishes of the World, Third Edition

A Catalogue of the Portland Museum

Aquatic Oligochaeta of the World

Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, vol. 85

Name     listed_pub_date

SQL Data Type    DATE

Length   10

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          The date printed on a journal or other printed reference.

Table      Publications

Input Notes           Format as DD/MM/YYYY. If the day and month are not known or not applicable, enter as 01/01/YYYY.  See actual_pub_date for examples.

Name     actual_pub_date

SQL Data Type    DATE

Length   10

Default Nullity      NOT NULL

Description          The true date on which a journal or other written reference was published.  It may or may not correspond with the publication's listed date.

Table      Publications

Validation Rules  This date should be later than or equal to the listed date if such is populated.  It should also correspond to the date associated with the taxon_author if this is the reference in which the subject taxon is described.  If the day or month are missing, they should default to 01.

Input Notes  The date that represents the actual date of publication. It may or may not correspond with the publication's listed date. It is generally later than or equal to the listed date, though there are rare exceptions. "Pre-prints"(normally identical to the final print, but printed before the formal printing for various reasons), if they must be entered, will generally have an earlier 'actual' than 'listed' date, and should be entered with identical information to the final print's, but with the different 'actual' date. Format as DD/MM/YYYY. If the day and month are not known or not applicable, enter as 01/01/YYYY.

Examples

12 September, 1997 should be written as: 12/09/1997

September, 1997 should be written as:  01/09/1997

The year 1997 should be written as:  01/01/1997

Name     publisher

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   80

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          Producer of a printed reference.

Table      Publications

Input Notes  (Applies to books only) The publisher's name (and affiliation, if appropriate). Do not abbreviate. Diacritical marks (é, ö, etc.) are supported.

Examples

Smithsonian Institution Press

Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University

Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior

Name     pub_place

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   40

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          Location of the publisher of a printed reference.

Table      Publications

Input Notes           (Applies to books only) The location of the publisher, including country.  The location should be written out as city, state, country (assuming they are given or can be deduced). If multiple cities are listed, use the first one listed.  A comma and then a space should separate all items.

Examples

Rome, Italy

Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Name     isbn

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   35,0

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          International Standard Book Number - a unique numeric identifier for books; older publications and some foreign books do not have assigned ISBN numbers.  The ISBN may identify a particular year or monograph in an ongoing serial or series.

Table      Publications

Input Notes  The International Standards Book Number (ISBN) is an internationally accepted code printed in publications that is unique to a title, edition of a book, or a monographic publication published or produced by a specific publisher or producer. There are four parts to an ISBN:  a group identifier, publishers prefix, title number, and a check-digit.

Example

0‑00000‑000‑0

Name     issn

SQL Data Type    VARCHAR

Length   35,0

Default Nullity      NULL

Description          International Standard Serial Number - a unique numeric identifier for periodicals; older journals and some foreign publications do not have assigned ISSN numbers.  The ISSN may identify an overall serial.