I'm new here, and little by little I'm learning to understand the abbreviations most commonly used (e.g. RWAP, RC, et al.).  But there are several I can't fathom.  Is there a list, somewhere, of abbreviations specific to PBS (not things like LOL or IMHO  that appear everywhere) that I could consult, instead of bugging the forum every time I don't understand something?

If not, a gentle suggestion to the owners, or to a long-standing member, that it might be a good idea to publish one?

Thanks,

Katherine.

Yes there is, in the Help Center under 'PBS Glossary'

Acronyms/Abbreviations common on PBS:

• TBR = To Be Read (click the "show description" button on the TBR Pile page to read the full description of its purpose. The TBR Pile is in the dropdown menu under Book Lists on the right-hand side of your account page)
• UnPosted books = books not currently available to order; these books may be added to your Wish List.
• Posted books = books currently available to order.
• WL = Wish List. See What is the Wish List? for more information.
• RL = Reminder List. This is a list of the books you are considering ordering in future. See What is the Reminder List? for more information.
• BIR = Books I've Read List. This is a list of all the books you have already read.
• FIFO = "first in, first out". FIFO refers to the order in which books are requested at PBS. See What is FIFO? for more information.
• ISBN = International Standard Book Number, usually found on the back or inside front flyleaf of a book.
• ARC = Advanced Reader Copy (aka Uncorrected Proof, Review Copy); a preview copy of a book sent to reviewers in advance of a book's release; not the final copy of a book, and not permitted for swapping at PBS.
• BoB = Box-O-Books. This service allows members to swap books without credits! See What is Box-O-Books? for more information about this feature.
• Boxer = member subscribed to Box-O-Books.
• PM = Personal Message. You can read your PMs in your Message Center, by clicking Personal Message on the right-hand side of your account page.
• BX = BookCrossing. BookCrossing.com is a website unaffiliated with PBS. BX books often have stamps or stickers on them, with their BX registration numbers.
• UBS = Used Book Store
• USPS = United States Postal Service
• PBS-DC = PBS Delivery Confirmation. See What is PBS Delivery Confirmation? for more information about this feature.
• FOL = Friends of the Library, an organization which runs sales of decirculated library books.
• BCE = Book Club Edition.  Book club editions are special printings of books that use cheaper materials and are slightly smaller in size than standard hardcovers. They're usually sent out via mail order book clubs, hence the name, and sometimes do not have ISBNS (if this is the case, they must be posted using the Post a Book without an ISBN feature).  They are permitted for swapping at PBS.
• R&R - Richard and Robert, co-Founders of the PaperBackSwap site

Welcome to PBS Katherine!  Any particular abbreviations that have you confused?

ETA:  So that's what ISBN stands for lol!!

What about RWAP?  Is it "received with a problem"?

Yes, RWAP = Rec'd w/ a problem.  RC is Requestor Condition.

ETA = Edited To Add

ETA   bothered me for a long time!  Maybe there should be some new additions to the posted PBS list.

Ruth  
         

I've seen ISO  used in a Book Bazaar subject line a few times and haven't figured that one out yet.

ISO = In Search Of

Thanks!   I was wondering about ETA, in fact.  To me, it had always meant Estimated Time of Arrival.  LOL

Also about CMT, but I've figured that one out, I think (Club Members' Thoughts?). 

PBS always meant Public Broadcasting System.  Now I have to think twice... 

There definitely needs to be additions to the current list!  ;)

Ruth

What does TPTB mean?

Thanks!

The Powers That Be :)

The Powers That Be.  That would be the administration, in the corner under Contact Us.

I had tracked down all the abbreviations, but still forget what some of the tiny symbols mean next to books in a list. And some are the same symbol, but sometimes green, sometimes red.

The green or red W is to indicate books that are on someone's WL.  One is for auto request, one is for 48 hour offer.

ETA Green W with little A for Auto request.  Red W for Wish List.

The little footprint within a circle is the book's travel history.  Click it to find where it came from and where it went on to.  It's "footprint".  Also known as (AKA) it's Passport.