CALL FOR COMMENTS:

Proposed Changes to the BISAC Subject Code List

BISG's Subject Codes committee, chaired by CONNIE HARBISON (Baker & Taylor), has prepared a summary of proposed changes to the BISAC Subject Code list. The summary is available for download at this link.

Members are asked to review the proposed changes and provide comments by the close of business on MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025. Please send comments to BISG at info@bisg.org. All comments will be reviewed, and updates to the code list may be made before the update is submitted to BISG's board for ratification. The updated code list will be published in early December, with an explanatory webinar planned for Tuesday, December 16 at 1PM EST.

The purpose of the review of the proposal is not to suggest additional additions or changes for the 2025 edition. Comments should be limited to the proposed changes only. Any comments related to adding additional headings or making additional changes to existing literals should be submitted here; these suggestions will be discussed for the 2026 edition.

This summary of proposed changes should NOT be used to update any versions of the code list you may be using. It is a proposal, and any part of it may be modified or withdrawn based on feedback from BISG membership or the BISG board. Please wait until the new code list is published in full in December before implementing any changes.

THANK YOU to the members of the BISG Subject Codes Committee for their hard work and commitment—especially under the steady leadership of Chair Connie Harbison—in preparing the proposed updates to the BISAC Subject Code list. Your dedication to reviewing categories, refining descriptions, and ensuring the BISAC list remains a vital, accurate, and widely trusted component of the publishing supply chain is deeply appreciated.