A unique numeric commercial book identifier. It is designed to help publishers, booksellers, libraries, and internet retailers track inventory, manage orders, and facilitate distribution. Since 2007, all ISBNs have been 13 digits (previously 10 digits). A standard ISBN-13 is divided into five distinct parts: ElementDescriptionGS1 PrefixA 3-digit number (978 or 979) is used to identify books in the book industry.Registration GroupIdentifies the country, geographic region, or language area.RegistrantIdentifies the specific publisher or imprint.PublicationIdentifies the specific edition and format of a title.Check DigitA final single digit used mathematically to validate the rest of the number.
Format and Structure
Since 2007, all ISBNs have been 13 digits long. A standard ISBN-13 is divided into five distinct parts:
- GS1 Prefix: A 3-digit number (978 or 979) is used to identify books in the book industry.
- Registration Group: Identifies the country, geographic region, or language area.
- Registrant: Identifies the specific publisher or imprint.
- Publication: Identifies the specific edition and format of a title.
- Check Digit: A final single digit used mathematically to validate the rest of the number.
Unique Identification
An ISBN is assigned to each separate edition and variation of a publication. For example, an e-book, a paperback, and a hardcover edition of the same book must each have a different ISBN. However, an unchanged reprint of the hardcover edition keeps the same ISBN.
Administration
The system is coordinated by the International ISBN Agency, based in London, while local agencies (such as Bowker in the U.S.) manage assignments within specific regions. Publishers purchase or receive ISBNs from an affiliate of the International ISBN Agency.
Legal Considerations
While an ISBN is necessary for most retail distribution, it does not provide copyright protection. Copyright is a separate legal status.
