What Is Isbn Number? It’s a question many budding authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts ask. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide clear, concise answers to your burning questions about ISBNs and other academic topics. Understand the ISBN meaning and its critical role in the publishing world, plus explore related identifiers and book metadata.
1. Understanding the ISBN: A Comprehensive Guide
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique numeric commercial book identifier. Think of it as a product barcode, but specifically for books. Before 2007, ISBNs were 10 digits long. However, since January 1, 2007, they consist of 13 digits. This change aligned ISBNs with the EAN (European Article Number) barcode system, ensuring global compatibility and efficiency in the book industry. Each ISBN is meticulously calculated using a specific mathematical formula, incorporating a check digit to validate the number and prevent errors. The ISBN is a crucial tool for publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers.
1.1. The Five Elements of an ISBN
Each 13-digit ISBN is divided into five distinct elements, each playing a specific role in identifying the book:
- Prefix Element: This is always 3 digits long and can currently only be either 978 or 979. This prefix indicates that the number is an ISBN and aligns with the Bookland EAN prefix.
- Registration Group Element: This identifies the particular country, geographical region, or language area participating in the ISBN system. This element can vary in length, ranging from 1 to 5 digits, depending on the publishing output of the region.
- Registrant Element: This identifies the specific publisher or imprint. This element can be up to 7 digits in length, allowing for a large number of publishers to be uniquely identified.
- Publication Element: This identifies the specific edition and format of a particular title. This element can be up to 6 digits in length, allowing for differentiation between various versions of the same book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book).
- Check Digit: This is always the final single digit, calculated using a Modulus 10 system with alternating weights of 1 and 3. The check digit mathematically validates the rest of the number, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors in ordering and inventory management.
1.2. The Purpose of an ISBN
The primary purpose of an ISBN is to serve as a unique product identifier within the global book industry. It is used by various stakeholders for a multitude of purposes:
- Publishers: Use ISBNs to track their publications, manage rights, and facilitate sales.
- Booksellers: Use ISBNs for ordering, listing, sales records, and stock control.
- Libraries: Use ISBNs for cataloging, inventory management, and tracking circulation.
- Internet Retailers: Use ISBNs for online product listings, search optimization, and order fulfillment.
- Supply Chain Participants: Use ISBNs to streamline the flow of books from publishers to consumers.
The ISBN identifies the registrant (publisher or imprint) as well as the specific title, edition, and format, enabling efficient tracking and management of books throughout the supply chain.
1.3. What Types of Publications Need an ISBN?
ISBNs are assigned to text-based monographic publications, meaning one-off publications rather than journals, newspapers, or other types of serials. Any book made publicly available, whether for sale or on a gratis basis, can be identified by an ISBN. This includes:
- Printed Books: Hardcover, paperback, and other physical formats.
- E-books: In various formats such as EPUB, PDF, and MOBI.
- Audiobooks: Physical and digital formats.
- Braille Books: For visually impaired readers.
- Educational Videos and Software: If they have a significant textual component.
Individual sections (such as chapters) of books or issues or articles from journals, periodicals, or serials that are made available separately may also use the ISBN as an identifier. With regard to the various media available, it is of no importance in what form the content is documented and distributed; however, each different product form (e.g., paperback, EPUB, .pdf) should be identified separately.
For instance, if a book is available in both paperback and e-book formats, each format should have its own unique ISBN. This allows for accurate tracking of sales and inventory for each version.
1.4. ISBNs, Legal Aspects, and Copyright
It’s important to note that the ISBN is an identifier and does not convey any form of legal or copyright protection. Copyright protection is automatically granted to the author or creator of a work upon its creation. However, in some countries, the use of ISBN to identify publications has been made into a legal requirement. This is often done to facilitate national bibliographic control and deposit requirements.
1.5. Who is Responsible for Applying for an ISBN?
It is always the publisher of the book who should apply for the ISBN. For the purposes of ISBN, the publisher is the group, organization, company, or individual who is responsible for initiating the production of a publication. Normally, it is also the person or body who bears the cost and financial risk in making a product available. It is not normally the printer, but it can be the author of the book if the author has chosen to publish their book themselves.
In a number of countries, there is detailed legislation regarding publishing, so it’s essential to contact your national ISBN agency well in advance for advice. The International ISBN Agency website provides a directory of national ISBN agencies worldwide.
2. The Structure of an ISBN: Decoding the Digits
To fully grasp what is ISBN number, it’s crucial to understand its structure. The 13-digit ISBN is not just a random sequence of numbers; it’s a carefully constructed code that provides valuable information about the book. Each section of the ISBN reveals specific details, from the country of origin to the publisher and the specific edition.
2.1. Prefix Element (3 Digits)
The prefix element is always three digits long and currently can only be either 978 or 979. This prefix indicates that the number is an ISBN and aligns with the Bookland EAN (European Article Number) prefix, which is used for barcode scanning in retail environments. The introduction of the 979 prefix was necessary as the 978 prefix was nearing exhaustion due to the increasing number of books being published globally.
2.2. Registration Group Element (1-5 Digits)
The registration group element identifies the particular country, geographical region, or language area participating in the ISBN system. This element can vary in length, ranging from 1 to 5 digits, depending on the publishing output of the region. For example, English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have shorter registration group identifiers due to their large publishing industries. Smaller countries with less publishing output have longer identifiers.
Here are some examples of registration group identifiers:
- 0 or 1: English-speaking countries
- 2: French-speaking countries
- 3: German-speaking countries
- 4: Japan
- 5: Russia
- 7: China
- 88: Thailand
- 950-966: Various smaller countries
2.3. Registrant Element (Up to 7 Digits)
The registrant element identifies the specific publisher or imprint. This element can be up to 7 digits in length, allowing for a large number of publishers to be uniquely identified. The length of the registrant element is determined by the publishing output of the publisher. Large publishers with a high volume of publications have shorter registrant elements, while smaller publishers have longer ones.
2.4. Publication Element (Up to 6 Digits)
The publication element identifies the specific edition and format of a particular title. This element can be up to 6 digits in length, allowing for differentiation between various versions of the same book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book, revised edition). The publication element is assigned by the publisher and is specific to each unique version of the book.
For example, if a book is published in hardcover and paperback formats, each format will have a different publication element within its ISBN. Similarly, if a book is revised and updated, the new edition will also have a different publication element.
2.5. Check Digit (1 Digit)
The check digit is always the final single digit and is calculated using a Modulus 10 system with alternating weights of 1 and 3. The check digit mathematically validates the rest of the number, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors in ordering and inventory management.
The calculation of the check digit involves the following steps:
- Multiply each digit of the first 12 digits of the ISBN by 1 or 3, alternating the weights.
- Sum the results of the multiplications.
- Calculate the remainder when the sum is divided by 10.
- If the remainder is 0, the check digit is 0. Otherwise, subtract the remainder from 10 to obtain the check digit.
For example, let’s say the first 12 digits of an ISBN are 978032176572. The check digit would be calculated as follows:
- (9 1) + (7 3) + (8 1) + (0 3) + (3 1) + (2 3) + (1 1) + (7 3) + (6 1) + (5 3) + (7 1) + (2 3) = 9 + 21 + 8 + 0 + 3 + 6 + 1 + 21 + 6 + 15 + 7 + 6 = 103
- 103 / 10 = 10 remainder 3
- 10 – 3 = 7
Therefore, the check digit is 7, and the complete ISBN is 9780321765727.
3. ISBN vs. Other Identifiers: A Comparative Analysis
While the ISBN is a crucial identifier for books, it’s not the only one used in the publishing industry. Other identifiers, such as ISSN, DOI, and ASIN, serve different purposes and are used for different types of publications. Understanding the differences between these identifiers is essential for navigating the world of publishing and information management.
3.1. ISBN vs. ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)
The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is an eight-digit code used to identify serial publications, such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals. Unlike ISBNs, which identify individual books, ISSNs identify a continuing resource published in successive parts.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between ISBN and ISSN:
| Feature | ISBN (International Standard Book Number) | ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Publication | Monographic publications (books) | Serial publications (journals, magazines, newspapers) |
| Purpose | Identifies a specific edition and format of a book | Identifies a continuing resource published in successive parts |
| Length | 13 digits | 8 digits |
| Structure | Prefix, registration group, registrant, publication, check digit | Two four-digit numbers separated by a hyphen |
| Assignment | Assigned by publishers | Assigned by ISSN International Centre and national centers |
3.2. ISBN vs. DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a persistent identifier used to identify electronic documents, such as journal articles, research reports, and e-books. Unlike ISBNs, which are primarily used for books, DOIs are used to provide a stable link to an online resource, even if the URL changes.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between ISBN and DOI:
| Feature | ISBN (International Standard Book Number) | DOI (Digital Object Identifier) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Publication | Books | Electronic documents (journal articles, e-books) |
| Purpose | Identifies a specific edition and format of a book | Provides a persistent link to an online resource |
| Persistence | Less persistent; tied to the physical book | Highly persistent; remains stable even if the URL changes |
| Assignment | Assigned by publishers | Assigned by DOI registration agencies |
| Resolution | Resolves to bibliographic information about the book | Resolves to the current URL of the document |
3.3. ISBN vs. ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)
The ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier used by Amazon to identify products in its catalog. While ISBNs are used to identify books, ASINs are used to identify all types of products sold on Amazon, including books, electronics, and household goods.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between ISBN and ASIN:
| Feature | ISBN (International Standard Book Number) | ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Publication | Books | Any product sold on Amazon |
| Purpose | Identifies a specific book | Identifies a specific product on Amazon |
| Scope | Global | Amazon-specific |
| Length | 13 digits | 10 alphanumeric characters |
| Assignment | Assigned by publishers | Assigned by Amazon |
4. The Benefits of Using ISBNs: Why Are They Important?
ISBNs offer a multitude of benefits to publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers. They streamline the book supply chain, facilitate efficient inventory management, and enhance discoverability. Understanding these benefits is crucial for appreciating the importance of ISBNs in the publishing industry.
4.1. Streamlining the Book Supply Chain
ISBNs enable efficient tracking of books throughout the supply chain, from publishers to distributors to retailers to consumers. They facilitate accurate ordering, invoicing, and payment processing, reducing errors and delays. By using ISBNs, stakeholders can easily identify and manage books, ensuring a smooth flow of products from creation to consumption.
4.2. Facilitating Efficient Inventory Management
ISBNs allow booksellers and libraries to manage their inventory effectively. They can use ISBNs to track stock levels, monitor sales trends, and identify slow-moving titles. This information helps them make informed decisions about purchasing, pricing, and promotion, optimizing their inventory and maximizing profitability.
4.3. Enhancing Discoverability
ISBNs enhance the discoverability of books in online and physical bookstores. They allow readers to easily search for specific titles, editions, and formats. By including ISBNs in metadata and marketing materials, publishers can ensure that their books are easily found by potential readers.
4.4. Supporting Global Commerce
ISBNs are recognized and used worldwide, facilitating international book sales and distribution. They provide a common language for identifying books across different countries and languages, simplifying cross-border transactions and reducing the risk of errors.
4.5. Enabling Data Analysis and Reporting
ISBNs enable publishers, booksellers, and libraries to collect and analyze data about book sales, readership, and trends. This data can be used to inform strategic decisions about publishing, marketing, and collection development. By tracking ISBN usage, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the book market and adapt their strategies accordingly.
5. How to Obtain an ISBN: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining an ISBN is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure that your book is properly identified and registered. The process varies slightly depending on the country in which you are publishing, but the general steps are outlined below.
5.1. Determine Your Role: Publisher or Self-Published Author
The first step is to determine whether you are acting as a publisher or a self-published author. If you are publishing your book through a publishing company, the publisher will typically handle the ISBN assignment. However, if you are self-publishing your book, you will need to obtain the ISBN yourself.
5.2. Identify Your National ISBN Agency
The next step is to identify your national ISBN agency. The International ISBN Agency website provides a directory of national ISBN agencies worldwide. Contact your national agency to inquire about their specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an ISBN.
5.3. Apply for an ISBN Prefix or Purchase a Single ISBN
In some countries, you may need to apply for an ISBN prefix, which is a block of numbers that you can use to assign ISBNs to multiple books. In other countries, you can purchase a single ISBN for each book you publish. The cost of ISBNs varies depending on the country and the number of ISBNs you purchase.
5.4. Provide Required Information
When applying for an ISBN, you will need to provide certain information about your book, such as the title, author, edition, format, and publisher. You may also need to provide a brief description of the book and its target audience.
5.5. Pay the Required Fee
Most national ISBN agencies charge a fee for assigning ISBNs. The fee varies depending on the country and the number of ISBNs you purchase.
5.6. Receive Your ISBN
Once you have completed the application process and paid the required fee, your national ISBN agency will assign you an ISBN. You will typically receive the ISBN electronically, along with instructions on how to use it.
5.7. Include the ISBN in Your Book
Once you have obtained your ISBN, you should include it in your book. The ISBN should be printed on the copyright page, as well as on the back cover or dust jacket. It should also be included in the book’s metadata, which is used by online retailers and libraries to identify and catalog the book.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ISBNs
While using ISBNs is generally straightforward, there are some common mistakes that publishers and authors should avoid. These mistakes can lead to confusion, errors, and lost sales.
6.1. Using the Same ISBN for Different Formats
One of the most common mistakes is using the same ISBN for different formats of the same book. Each format (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book) should have its own unique ISBN. Using the same ISBN for different formats can lead to confusion and errors in ordering, inventory management, and sales reporting.
6.2. Using an Incorrect ISBN
Another common mistake is using an incorrect ISBN. This can happen if the ISBN is entered incorrectly or if the wrong ISBN is assigned to a book. Always double-check the ISBN to ensure that it is correct before including it in your book or using it in marketing materials.
6.3. Failing to Update the ISBN When Making Revisions
If you make revisions to your book, you may need to update the ISBN. This is especially important if the revisions are significant or if they change the content of the book. Consult with your national ISBN agency to determine whether you need to update the ISBN for your revised edition.
6.4. Using an ISBN for a Publication That Does Not Qualify
ISBNs are intended for use with monographic publications, such as books. They should not be used for serial publications, such as journals or magazines. Using an ISBN for a publication that does not qualify can lead to confusion and errors in bibliographic databases.
6.5. Sharing ISBNs with Other Publishers
ISBNs are assigned to specific publishers and should not be shared with other publishers. If you are collaborating with another publisher on a book, each publisher should obtain their own ISBN for their edition of the book.
7. The Future of ISBNs: Trends and Innovations
The ISBN system has been around for over 50 years, and it has evolved significantly over time. As the publishing industry continues to change, the ISBN system will likely continue to adapt and innovate.
7.1. Integration with Digital Technologies
One of the key trends in the ISBN system is the integration with digital technologies. ISBNs are increasingly being used to identify and track e-books, audiobooks, and other digital publications. The ISBN system is also being integrated with online retail platforms, library catalogs, and other digital resources.
7.2. Enhanced Metadata
Another trend is the enhancement of ISBN metadata. Metadata is the information about a book that is associated with its ISBN, such as the title, author, publisher, and description. Enhanced metadata can improve the discoverability of books and facilitate more efficient inventory management.
7.3. Adoption of New Standards
The ISBN system is constantly being updated to reflect changes in the publishing industry. New standards are being developed to address issues such as the identification of open access publications and the use of ISBNs in emerging markets.
7.4. Increased Automation
The ISBN assignment process is becoming increasingly automated. National ISBN agencies are using technology to streamline the application process and reduce the time it takes to assign ISBNs.
7.5. Focus on Sustainability
There is a growing focus on sustainability in the publishing industry. The ISBN system is being used to track the environmental impact of book production and distribution.
8. ISBNs in the Digital Age: Adapting to E-books and Online Sales
The rise of e-books and online sales has had a significant impact on the ISBN system. ISBNs are now essential for identifying and tracking e-books, and they play a crucial role in online book sales.
8.1. ISBNs for E-books
E-books should have their own unique ISBNs, separate from the ISBNs used for print versions of the same book. This is because e-books are considered to be a different format than print books, and they are sold and distributed through different channels.
8.2. ISBNs and Online Retailers
Online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books use ISBNs to identify and list books in their online catalogs. ISBNs are also used to track sales and royalties for e-books and print books sold online.
8.3. ISBN Metadata and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
ISBN metadata is important for search engine optimization (SEO). By including relevant keywords and descriptive information in the ISBN metadata, publishers can improve the visibility of their books in online search results.
8.4. ISBNs and Digital Rights Management (DRM)
ISBNs are sometimes used in conjunction with digital rights management (DRM) systems to protect e-books from unauthorized copying and distribution.
8.5. Challenges and Opportunities
The digital age has presented both challenges and opportunities for the ISBN system. One of the challenges is the proliferation of self-published e-books, which can be difficult to track and manage. However, the digital age has also created new opportunities for the ISBN system, such as the ability to collect and analyze data about e-book sales and readership.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ISBNs
To further clarify what is ISBN number, here are some frequently asked questions about ISBNs:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between an ISBN-10 and an ISBN-13? | ISBN-10s were used before January 1, 2007, and consisted of 10 digits. ISBN-13s are used since January 1, 2007, and consist of 13 digits. ISBN-13s are compatible with the EAN barcode system, which is used worldwide for retail products. |
| Do I need an ISBN for every edition of my book? | Yes, you need a separate ISBN for each edition of your book. This includes different formats (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book), as well as revised or updated editions. |
| How much does an ISBN cost? | The cost of an ISBN varies depending on the country and the number of ISBNs you purchase. In some countries, you can purchase a single ISBN for a relatively low fee. In other countries, you may need to purchase a block of ISBNs, which can be more expensive. |
| Where should I place the ISBN in my book? | The ISBN should be printed on the copyright page of your book, as well as on the back cover or dust jacket. It should also be included in the book’s metadata, which is used by online retailers and libraries. |
| Can I use the same ISBN for my e-book and print book? | No, you cannot use the same ISBN for your e-book and print book. E-books are considered to be a different format than print books, and they are sold and distributed through different channels. |
| Do I need an ISBN for a free e-book? | Yes, you should obtain an ISBN for a free e-book if you want it to be listed in online catalogs and tracked by libraries and retailers. |
| What is an ISBN agency? | An ISBN agency is a national or regional organization that is responsible for assigning ISBNs to publishers and authors in their jurisdiction. The International ISBN Agency website provides a directory of national ISBN agencies worldwide. |
| What is ISBN metadata? | ISBN metadata is the information about a book that is associated with its ISBN, such as the title, author, publisher, description, and keywords. ISBN metadata is used by online retailers, libraries, and other organizations to identify and catalog books. |
| How can I find a book using its ISBN? | You can find a book using its ISBN by searching for it in online bookstores, library catalogs, or ISBN search engines. Many online retailers, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, have search boxes where you can enter an ISBN to find a specific book. |
| What happens if I use an incorrect ISBN? | Using an incorrect ISBN can lead to confusion, errors, and lost sales. It can also make it difficult for readers to find your book in online catalogs and bookstores. If you discover that you have used an incorrect ISBN, you should contact your national ISBN agency and correct the error as soon as possible. |
10. Conclusion: ISBNs and the Future of Book Identification
In conclusion, understanding what is ISBN number is essential for anyone involved in the publishing industry. The ISBN is a unique identifier that plays a crucial role in streamlining the book supply chain, facilitating efficient inventory management, and enhancing discoverability. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, the ISBN system will likely continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that books can be easily identified and tracked in both print and digital formats.
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