A book identifier that is numerical is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Every book has a unique number that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. ISBNs are acquired by publishers/authors from an International ISBN Agency affiliate. Within the publishing industry, the ISBN system makes book distribution, sales, and cataloging easier.
The format of the ISBN was first created by David Whitaker, a British citizen who is regarded as the father of the system.
The ISBN has ten digits at first. First up is the 1970 book that was assigned an ISBN. Ten-digit ISBNs were issued between 1970 and December 2006. From January 1st, 2007, the ISBN has 13 digits.
Elements of ISBN
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is made up of several distinct elements providing specific information about the book’s origin, publisher, and title. A 13-digit ISBN has five parts, while a 10-digit ISBN has four parts.
1. Prefix Element: This is a 3-digit code, usually “978” or “979,” identifying the product as a book.
2. Registration Group Element: This identifies the book’s country, geographical region, or language area. The length of this segment varies, ranging from 1 to 5 digits.
3. Registrant (Publisher) Element: This segment identifies the publisher of the book. It contains information about the particular publisher and imprint area, with a length varying from 5 to seven digits.
4. Publication Element (Title Identifier): This specifies the unique title or edition of the book, ranging from 1 to 6 digits in length.
5. Check Digit: The final digit ensures the ISBN is correctly formatted using a specific algorithm to verify its accuracy. The check digit is a single-digit number at the end of the ISBN, mathematically validating the rest of the number.
Each element plays a crucial role in identifying key details about a specific book or edition. The ISBN varies for each edition or version of a book. Every format or edition of a book, such as hardcover, paperback, revised edition, or electronic version (e.g., eBook, audiobook), has its own unique ISBN. The electronic version of a book is assigned an eISBN, which stands for electronic ISBN. This distinction helps booksellers, libraries, and distributors differentiate between different versions of the same title.
Characteristics of ISBN
The International Standard Book Number, or ISBN, is a vital tool for book identification because of a few important features:
1. Uniqueness: Each ISBN is specific to a particular edition, format, and title of a book, ensuring precise identification across global markets. The ISBN serves as a distinct global identifier for monographic publications. By assigning a number, handling lengthy bibliographic descriptive records is eliminated, saving money on staff and time as well as minimizing copying errors.
2. Standard Format: The format of an ISBN is standard and consists of either 10 digits for older publications or 13 digits for modern publications. The country, publisher, and book are represented by distinct segments of the ISBN. A 13-digit EAN barcode and ISO standardization are features of ISBN. This is quick and error-free. ISBN is the foundation of many publishing and supply chain systems. In the publishing house and book trade, the ISBN is used to identify books instead of the actual title.
3. Global System: Books can be consistently identified and cataloged across borders and markets thanks to the widespread usage of the ISBN.
4. Permanent Assignment: An ISBN cannot be used again after it has been assigned; it is always associated with that particular book edition.
5. Check Digit Verification: An algorithmic calculation is used to verify the accuracy of the ISBN by using the last digit as a check digit. The ISBN is in charge of compiling sales data. This makes it possible to compare various subject areas and even publishing houses, as well as to track the differing success of various product forms and editions of publications.
There is no legal or copyright protection offered by the ISBN. Nonetheless, there are certain nations that mandate using an ISBN in order to identify publications. The two books’ ISBNs cannot have the same number.
Functions of ISBN
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) serves several important functions in the publishing and book industry:
1. Book Search: The ISBN helps in compiling and updating book-trade directories and bibliographic databases, making it easier to find information on available books.
2. Unique Identification: It provides a distinct identifier for each specific edition and format of a book, ensuring it can be globally distinguished from other books.
3. Ordering and Sales: ISBNs enable bookstores, libraries, distributors, and online retailers to easily track, catalog, and sell books by providing a standardized system for identifying titles.
4. Efficient Distribution: ISBNs help streamline the logistics and distribution of books, ensuring that publishers, wholesalers, and retailers are all consistently referencing the same title.
5. Inventory Management: ISBNs assist in the management of stock in warehouses and bookstores, allowing for accurate record-keeping and ordering.
6. Metadata and Bibliographic Information: ISBNs are used in bibliographic databases and library catalogs, enabling accurate data collection, searchability, and cross-referencing of books.
Where does an author or publisher get an ISBN?
The official ISBN agency in each nation or region is where authors and publishers can get an ISBN. The majority of the time, ISBNs is issued by the nation’s national libraries. To assign ISBNs, some nations do, nevertheless, also use independent organizations. Numerous nations designate specific organizations to handle the assignment of ISBNs; examples include Bowker in the US, Nielsen in the UK, and regional publishing houses or governments in other countries. Usually, publishers or authors apply online through the agency to obtain an ISBN, and the assignment of one or more ISBNs often carries a fee.
How to get online ISBN:
Here are the steps to get an ISBN online:
1. Identify the ISBN Agency: Find the official ISBN agency for your country or region. Common agencies include:
– United States: Bowker (https://www.myidentifiers.com/)
– United Kingdom: Nielsen (https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/)
-India: Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency (https://isbn.gov.in/)
2. Register on the Agency’s Website: Visit the website of the relevant ISBN agency and create an account. You’ll need to provide details such as your name, organization (if applicable), and contact information.
3. Apply for ISBN: Once registered, you can apply for ISBNs by providing details about the book, such as the title, author, format (hardcover, paperback, eBook, etc.), and publication date.
4. Pay the Fee (if applicable): Some agencies charge for ISBNs (e.g., Bowker in the U.S.), while others provide them for free (e.g., Canada). Pay the fee if required.
5. Receive the ISBN: After your application is processed, the ISBN will be issued to you, either immediately or after a short processing period. You can then use this number on your book.
Each country may have a slightly different process, but most agencies offer a simple online system for applying and receiving ISBNs.
