An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, serves as a unique identifier for books. Before January 1, 2007, ISBNs consisted of 10 digits. Since then, they have uniformly comprised 13 digits. These numbers are generated using a specific mathematical algorithm and include a check digit for validation.
Each ISBN is structured into five distinct elements, separated by spaces or hyphens. The length of three of these elements can vary:
- Prefix element: Currently, this can only be either 978 or 979. It always has a length of 3 digits.
- Registration group element: This part identifies the specific country, geographical region, or language area involved in the ISBN system. It can range from 1 to 5 digits in length.
- Registrant element: This section pinpoints the particular publisher or imprint. It can be up to 7 digits long.
- Publication element: This element identifies the specific edition and format of a title. It can be up to 6 digits in length.
- Check digit: Always the last single digit, this mathematically validates the entire number using a Modulus 10 system with alternating weights of 1 and 3.
What is an ISBN Used For?
Primarily, an ISBN acts as a product identifier. Publishers, booksellers, libraries, online retailers, and other supply chain participants utilize it for ordering, listing, maintaining sales records, and managing stock control. The ISBN identifies not only the registrant (publisher) but also the specific title, edition, and format of a book.
What Does an ISBN Identify Exactly?
ISBNs are assigned to text-based monographic publications, which include single, complete publications, rather than periodicals like journals, newspapers, or other types of serials.
Any book made available to the public, whether sold or given away for free, can be identified using an ISBN. Furthermore, individual sections of books, such as chapters, or articles from journals, periodicals, or serials that are made available separately, may also use the ISBN as an identifier.
The physical form of the content – be it paperback, EPUB, or PDF – is not relevant; each different product format requires a unique ISBN.
ISBNs, Legal Aspects, and Copyright
It’s important to note that the ISBN is simply an identifier and does not provide any legal or copyright protection. However, some countries have made the use of ISBNs a legal requirement for identifying publications.
Who is Responsible for Applying for an ISBN?
The publisher of the book is always the party responsible for applying for the ISBN. For ISBN purposes, the publisher is defined as the group, organization, company, or individual responsible for initiating the production of a publication. Typically, this entity also bears the cost and financial risk associated with making the product available. While the printer is usually not the publisher, the author can be if they choose to self-publish their book.
