From The Unofficial Discogs Wiki

Packaging in Discogs

This gives a broad overview of latest packaging re-think, with a 'mission' outline;

Subject preamble, something like this (with links, where possible, to RSG [Release Submission Guidelines]):

Since the beginning of packaging recorded media for commercial consumption the nature of the packaging itself has taken on many forms. As recording technology has developed so too has the sophistication of its delivery. The medium itself often dictating the manner in which the recorded work could be stored, promoted, distributed and retailed.

The term 'Packaging' herein can be seen as a 'catch all' term, in a number of forms. For example, a recording can be 'packaged' for delivery onto a substrate Format, such as a cylinder, vinyl, compact disc or DVD, by means of a prevalent technology - as listed in the Audio Media and Audio Visual Media lists of Format within Discogs Release Pages.

This Format, in turn, can have a 'Packaged Quality' - such as being mono-aural, stereo, promotional, limited release, or remastering - as shown in the Addendum, or secondary drop-down menu found within Discogs Release Pages.

This listing attempts to identify the many aspects of these Formats and Qualities, both of which are ultimately 'Packaged' in an outer enclosure for retail and commercial presentation, such as a sleeve, carton, slipcase or even a book - as found in the core Packaging Glossary. This Packaging Glossary also encompasses the materials, methodologies and terminologies found in recording packaging, as well as aspects and processes of the many additional items which may accompany such works, such as inserts, booklets or librettos. The aim of providing the Packaging Glossary is to assist in formulating clear and understandable comments or additions to Release Notes, as found in Discogs Release Pages.