Introduction to Audiobook Metadata

This brief introduction discusses the metadata that can be included with audiobooks: a set of ID3 tags for each file, and an ONIX record. There is no specific accessibility metadata for audiobooks, but having robust metadata enhances accessibility.

  • Subject(s):

    Audiobook Production, Metadata

  • Resource Type(s):

    Foundations and Rationale

  • Audience:

    Introduction

Suggested Prerequisite

Before you read this, you might want to read:

Audiobook Metadata

Including detailed metadata in your books enhances accessibility by allowing the reader to easily find key information about the book – and this applies to audiobooks as well as ebooks. You can also create ONIX records to accompany your ebooks, which some libraries and distributors use to gather and display key information about the books they accompany.

There is no specific accessibility metadata for audiobooks. But, including as much metadata as possible greatly enhances the user experience for all readers! Embedding information right into your audiobook files allows for more playlist compatibility across devices and information access to readers outside of the playlist navigation.

There are two types of metadata which should be included with an audiobook. 

Examples

ID3 Tags

The standard embedding of data for MP3s are ID3 tags. Because MP3s are primarily focused on tagging music, follow these guidelines below when entering your tags. Note that different production softwares have varying ID3 tag options. Using a specific tagging application such as “tag editor free” can be very useful.

Here are some approaches to audiobook ID3 tags; Check out Related Content for a handy checklist!

ONIX Record for Audiobook

If the publication is based on text with synchronized audio, this information can be retrieved from ONIX code list 196, Code: 20: Synchronized pre-recorded audio.

If the publication is audio-only (like an audio-only audiobook), this information can be retrieved from ONIX code list 81; Code: 01: Audiobook.

Note that this is not accessibility metadata – just audiobook metadata!

Next Steps

1

Audiobook Metadata Workflow Guide

Accessible Audiobook Workflow Guide: Producing Born Accessible Audiobooks

This resource reviews key steps to create audiobook that are as accessible as possible, and discuss the key aspects of what makes an audiobook accessible.

Subject(s): Audiobook Production
Resource Type(s): Standards and Best Practices
Audience:
Introduction
2

Introduction to Audiobook Metadata for ONIX and the Supply Chain

Introduction to Audiobook Metadata

This brief introduction discusses the metadata that can be included with audiobooks: a set of ID3 tags for each file, and an ONIX record. There is no specific accessibility metadata for audiobooks, but having robust…

Subject(s): Audiobook Production, Metadata
Resource Type(s): Foundations and Rationale
Audience:
Introduction
3

ONIX Standards for Audiobook Accessibility Data

Resource Coming Soon

We haven’t finished creating this resource yet. Click here to learn how to request a resource, contact our Accessible Publishing Librarian, or discuss with the community.

Subject(s): Resource Coming Soon
4

Filling Out ID3 Tags for an Audiobook

Introduction to ID3 Tags in Audiobooks

ID3 tags are fields that you can fill out to add metadata to an audiobook. They were designed with music in mind, so some of the field names (Artist, Composer, etc.) don’t always correspond. This…

Subject(s): Audiobook Production, Metadata
Resource Type(s): Checklist
Audience:
Technical

External Links to More Information

Audiobook Recommendations for Publishers

This page shares NNELS’ guidelines for audiobook production. It has many suggestions for approaches to including things not typically present in commercial audiobooks, such as front and back matter, footnotes, and image descriptions. It also includes suggestions for file name and division conventions, and a little on making good quality audio recordings.

Ten takeaways about audiobooks & ONIX from EDItEUR

This article discusses all facets of working with ONIX metadata for audio titles. Including: what’s different in ONIX for audiobooks? And, how do you send good metadata for audio?