View source for ISBN (identifier)

{{Infobox identifier
| name = International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
| abbreviation = ISBN
| organization = International ISBN Agency
| introduced = 1970
| example = 978-0-306-40615-7
| website = {{URL|https://www.isbn-international.org/}}
}}

The '''International Standard Book Number''' ('''ISBN''') is a unique numeric identifier used to identify books and other monographic publications. Established to standardize the identification of books across the global publishing industry, the ISBN facilitates the efficient tracking, ordering, and distribution of publications. It is widely used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, and other entities involved in the book trade.

== History ==
The ISBN system was developed in the United Kingdom in 1967 as the '''Standard Book Number''' (SBN), a 9-digit code. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted and expanded it into the 10-digit ISBN in 1970, formalized under '''ISO 2108'''. On January 1, 2007, the ISBN system transitioned to a 13-digit format to align with the '''EAN-13''' barcode system, increasing the capacity for unique identifiers and improving compatibility with global trade systems.

== Structure ==

=== ISBN-10 (1970–2006) ===
The 10-digit ISBN consists of four parts, separated by hyphens or spaces:
# '''Group or country identifier''': Indicates the geographical or language area of the publisher (e.g., "0" or "1" for English-speaking countries).
# '''Publisher identifier''': Assigned to a specific publisher within the group.
# '''Title identifier''': Identifies a specific title or edition of a publication.
# '''Check digit''': A single digit (0–9 or X, representing 10) calculated to validate the ISBN's accuracy using a modulo 11 algorithm.

Example: {{mono|0-306-40615-2}}

=== ISBN-13 (2007–present) ===
The 13-digit ISBN, aligned with the EAN-13 barcode system, includes five parts:
# '''Prefix element''': A 3-digit code, typically "978" or "979," linking the ISBN to the book industry within the EAN system.
# '''Group or country identifier''': Same as in ISBN-10.
# '''Publisher identifier''': Same as in ISBN-10.
# '''Title identifier''': Same as in ISBN-10.
# '''Check digit''': A single digit (0–9) calculated using a modulo 10 algorithm with alternating weights of 1 and 3.

Example: {{mono|978-0-306-40615-7}}

The transition to ISBN-13 allowed for greater scalability and integration with modern retail systems. All ISBN-10s can be converted to ISBN-13 by adding the "978" prefix and recalculating the check digit.

== Function and Usage ==
The ISBN uniquely identifies a specific edition of a book or monographic publication, such as print books, e-books, audiobooks, and certain other formats. It does not identify individual copies but rather a specific title, edition, or format. For example, hardcover and paperback editions of the same title have different ISBNs, as do different language versions or revised editions.

ISBNs are used for:
* '''Inventory management''': Publishers and booksellers track stock and sales.
* '''Bibliographic databases''': Libraries and retailers catalog publications.
* '''Ordering and distribution''': Streamlines supply chain processes.
* '''Rights management''': Helps track intellectual property and royalties.

== Administration ==
The ISBN system is managed by the '''International ISBN Agency''', based in London, which oversees the global standard and coordinates with national or regional ISBN agencies. These agencies, such as the '''Bowker Agency''' in the United States or the '''Nielsen ISBN Agency''' in the United Kingdom, assign ISBNs to publishers within their jurisdictions. Publishers purchase blocks of ISBNs, which they assign to their publications.

== Assignment and Cost ==
ISBNs are assigned to publishers, who then allocate them to individual titles. In some countries, ISBNs are provided free of charge by government-funded agencies (e.g., Canada, Italy). In others, such as the United States, publishers purchase ISBNs through commercial agencies like Bowker, with costs varying based on the number of ISBNs purchased. Small publishers or self-publishers may face higher per-ISBN costs, though bulk purchases reduce expenses.

== Limitations ==
* '''Scope''': ISBNs apply only to monographic publications, not serials (e.g., magazines, journals), which use '''ISSN''' (International Standard Serial Number).
* '''Reusability''': Once assigned, an ISBN cannot be reused, even if a book goes out of print.
* '''Format specificity''': Each format or edition requires a unique ISBN, increasing costs for publishers producing multiple versions.
* '''Global consistency''': Variations in agency practices can lead to minor inconsistencies in assignment or registration.

== Related Identifiers ==
* '''ISSN''': Identifies serial publications.
* '''DOI''' (Digital Object Identifier): Used for digital content, including e-books and journal articles.
* '''ISMN''' (International Standard Music Number): Identifies printed music publications.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* International ISBN Agency. (n.d.). ''ISBN Users' Manual''. Retrieved from {{URL|https://www.isbn-international.org/}}
* ISO 2108:2017. ''Information and documentation — International Standard Book Number (ISBN)''. International Organization for Standardization.
* Bowker. (n.d.). ''About ISBN''. Retrieved from {{URL|https://www.bowker.com/isbn.html}}

== External Links ==
* {{URL|https://www.isbn-international.org/|International ISBN Agency}}
* {{URL|https://www.iso.org/standard/65483.html|ISO 2108 Standard}}
* {{URL|https://www.bowker.com/isbn.html|Bowker ISBN Services}}

[[Category:Book publishing]]
[[Category:Identifiers]]
[[Category:International standards]]