Notice of Accession Number format change
Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaborative Agreement
31 May 1995
Currently, accession numbers used by the nucleotide sequence databases
consist of one prefix letter followed by 5 digits. EST projects and
projects to add patent data have accelerated the need to extend the
accession number space. It is projected that the databases will run out of
accession numbers within 8 to 10 months.
It is clear that:
* As much notice as possible should be given to users and software developers
* The change should make a large enough space that another change will not
be necessary in the foreseeable future.
* The accession number should continue to be readily identifiable as a
DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank accession number.
The collaborators concluded that:
* A new form of accession number will be created, defined as an
8-character alphanumeric string, beginning with two upper case
letters and followed only by digits (e.g., SR004562). Leading and
trailing zeros are significant. The letter 'O' will not be used.
* Existing 6-character accession numbers will remain as they are, and will
never be transformed to an 8-character form.
* New accession numbers will not be used before February 1, 1996. The groups
agree to avoid using new accession numbers as long as possible after that.
The International Nucleotide Sequence Databases
DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank
