I want a PCIP - anyone have a reputable recommendation?

Greetings,

I understand that if you've published fewer than three books you cannot obtain a CIP. However there are such things as PCIPs which "look like" CIPs and use your LCCN number to create a datablock (with categories, etc.) that you can use on your copyright page and may be (minimally) helpful to librarians.

I understand that there are lots of companies that create these PCIPs. Can anyone recommend the best ones.

Thanks!!

Aimee

Tags: CIP, PCIP, libraries

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Pavarti K. Tyler on June 27, 2011 at 7:21am

Did you ever get any leads on this? It's a great idea.

Thanks

Pav

Permalink Reply by Brad Poulson on August 17, 2011 at 8:40pm

Aimee (aka NuWine Press),

I’m sorry the delay in response, but I missed this post.

While I’m sure that you have already found your answer, I thought I’d post the following excerpt from SPAN’s FAQ, which was written by publishing pro JC Simonds of Creative Minds Press, for anyone who may have a similar question in the future:

What is an LCCN / PCN ?

An LCCN (Library of Congress Catalog Number) and/or PCN (Preassigned Control Number) assigns a library cataloging number to your book (remember the Dewey Decimal system? This is way more complicated, but the intent is the same). If you want your book to be ordered by libraries, you need this number or a CIP (see below).

How do I get an LCCN?

Go to this Library of Congress website.

Once I have it, where does the LCCN go?

The LCCN goes on the bottom half of your book’s Copyright Page.

When should I get an LCCN or CIP?

When you are typesetting the book (see explanation).

Remember that after you have the printed book, you must send 2 copies to the Library of Congress.

What is a CIP?

CIP or Cataloging In Publication is a data block giving information required for proper library cataloging of the book.

How do I get it?

If you are eligible for the program, go to this Library of Congress website.

Why can't I get a CIP?

The CIP program excludes self-publishers and subsidy press authors. They also exclude publishers who have produced less than 3 books by authors other than themselves.

Will not having a CIP disqualify my book from libraries?

If your main customer is libraries, possibly so. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference if you use an LCCN or CIP.

Is there any way for me to get a CIP?

There are companies that offer a Publisher Cataloging in Publication Service (PCIP). They take your LCCN and other data and create a data block much like a CIP. It is important to note that, since this does not come from the Library of Congress, the book is not in the CIP system. However, many feel this makes their book look more professional. Some feel there is value to librarians in that a PCIP (and CIP) provide them with the book's subject category. If your book is targeted to the library market, you may want to consider acquiring a PCIP.These companies offer PCIP services: