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ISBN and ISSN Systems: General Information and Resources

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ISBN and ISSN Standards

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This resource guide provides general information and a history on the ISBN and ISSN standards.  

ISBN General Information

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. The ISBN is intended for a monographic publication: text that stands on its own as a product, whether printed, audio or electronic. ISBNs are never assigned to music, performances or images, such as art prints or photographs. ISBNs are not assigned to magazines, academic journals or other periodicals. However, if a single issue of a periodical is being sold as a book, then that issue alone may be assigned an ISBN. 

When participating in the ISBN standard, publishers and self-publishers are required to report all information about titles to which they have assigned ISBNs. For more than thirty years, ISBNs were 10 digits long. On January 1, 2007 the ISBN system switched to a 13-digit format. Now all ISBNs are 13-digits long. If you were assigned 10-digit ISBNs, you can convert them to the 13-digit format at the converter found on the ISBN website . A 10-digit ISBN cannot be converted to 13-digits merely by placing three digits in front of the 10-digit number . There is an algorithm that frequently results in a change of the last digit of the ISBN.

ISBNs beginning 979 will not be issued in the United States for at least several years until current inventories of ISBNs are depleted. When they are assigned, they will not replace those beginning with 978.

  • ISBNs beginning 978 and 979 will coexist in the book industry for a number of years.
  • 978 ISBNs cannot be converted to 979 ISBNs.
  • 979 ISBNs are not convertible to a 10-digit format and exist only in a 13-digit format.

ISBN Resources

  • Buy ISBNs & Other Identifiers (U.S. only) Offers the purchase of ISBNs, barcodes, and self-publishing packages.
  • ISBN FAQ - Publication Formats, Reprints, Editions, etc. Provides a chart of products/entities that are eligible for ISBNs.
  • United States ISBN Agency Bowker is the official source for ISBNs in the United States. An ISBN uniquely identifies your book, and facilitates the sale of your book to bookstores (physical and digital) and libraries. Using ISBNs allows you to better manage your book's metadata, and ensure maximum discoverability of your book.

ISSN General Information

The ISSN is a U.S. standard and an international standard. The number itself -- unlike the coded digits of the ISBN -- has no significance other than as a brief, unique, and unambiguous identifier; an ISSN consists of eight digits, specifically two groups of four digits, in Arabic numerals 0 to 9, except for the last -- or check -- digit, which can be an X. Its proper reference is for the two groups of four digits to be separated by a hyphen and preceded by the letters ISSN.

Assignment of ISSNs is handled by the U.S. ISSN Center at the Library of Congress and is free. There is no charge associated with the use of the ISSN. An ISSN application form may be completed online. Enter the required information and then email or fax the form (in the interests of conserving paper and bandwidth, please limit faxes or email attachments to no more than five pages), or mail the application by U.S. mail or private carrier. A suitable representation of the publication must accompany the application. For print serials a sample issue or photocopy of the title page, cover, or masthead should be provided. For electronic serials in a tangible form such as CD-ROM or floppy disk, an actual issue and printouts of title screens should be submitted. For online serials, provide an appropriate URL or e-mail actual issues or mock-ups which will accompany the application form.

ISSN Resources

  • ANSI/NISO Z39.9 International Standard Serial Numbering (ISSN) Well-known as the ISSN, this standard defines the structure and presentation of a code to uniquely identify serial publications in print and nonprint formats. This standard sets forth the format and characteristics of the ISSN and designates a central authority for code administration.
  • ISSN-L When a publication is published on several media, a linking ISSN is assigned so that the media can be easily grouped and the contents are easier to manage.
  • ISO 3297 Information and documentation -- International standard serial number (ISSN) Defines and promotes the use of a standard code (ISSN) for the unique identification of serials and other continuing resources.
  • ISSN International Center (CIEPS) The CIEPS, also known as the ISSN International Centre, is an intergovernmental organization which manages at the international level the identification and the description of serial publications and ongoing resources, print and online, in any subject.
  • U.S. ISSN Application Form The ISSN application is a "fillable" pdf form. Once completed, it should be emailed, faxed, or mailed to the Library of Congress for processing. Full instructions and a link to the form are provided on the application forms page.
  • U.S. ISSN Center The U.S. ISSN Center, part of the international ISSN Network, assigns International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) to serials published in the U.S. The ISSN is a standard identifier for serials (e.g., journals, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, annuals) whether published in print, online or other media. Each medium version is assigned a separate ISSN.

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ISBN, DOI, ISSN: A Quick Guide to Publication Identifiers

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Publication identifiers help in finding information on an article or publication using a set of codes. All of us have names and other identifying characteristics and titles; however, these could be common to several thousands of people. In the United States, a person’s unique identifying tag is his or her Social Security number. The same is true of titles of articles, subject matter, and a host of other characteristics of the written word. A publication identifier is unique to that journal, article, or book.

There are several types of publication identifiers. Some of these are discussed here.

International Standard Book Number

  • The International Standard Book Number ( ISBN ) is for books. ISBNs identify printed or digital books and are used as inventory-tracking devices.
  • The code is usually found on the back cover of a book and includes a barcode. One shortcoming of the ISBN is that it does not provide information on all versions of a particular book because each has its own unique code, which might not be an issue since it is recognizable.
  • The ISBN has 13 digits and contains five types of identifying information or “elements” such as: a prefix, registration group (e.g., individual country or territory), registrant, publication, and “checksum” (i.e., a figure that is used to detect errors).
  • If you are a self-publishing author in the United States, you can easily retrieve your own ISBN through Bowker , the country’s official ISBN source.
  • If not, you can find this information on ISBNs in your country from the International ISBN Agency . By purchasing an ISBN for your publication, you ensure a better chance of it being found in a search.
Related: Need instant updates on academic writing on your cell phone? Download the FREE Enago Academy mobile app now.

Digital Object Identifier

  • A Digital Object Identifier ( DOI ) is used mainly in scientific journals.
  • Each article in each of the thousands of journals has its own unique DOI. Understanding a DOI is important when doing specific research.
  • The DOI format is usually numerals and letters, including some punctuation. For example, a DOI created by Wiley might look like “10.1111/j.1365-2575.2012.00413.x.”
  • The first number identifies Wiley, the “j” indicates a journal article, and the number range indicates the ISSN. These are followed by the year the article was received by the publisher and the tracking number.

International Standard Serial Number

  • The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) comprises of seven digits followed by a “check digit” to identify any errors in citations.
  • ISSNs help to identify serial publications, which are those that are published regularly in sequence, such as magazines, journals, newspapers, and databases. They don’t identify content or certify its validity .
  • Although ISSNs do not identify the journal owner, if a journal name changes, a new ISSN is necessary. This is important when considering a title change because the change will affect cataloging and indexing.
  • ISSNs also have some limitations. There might be an ISSN for printed text and a different one for electronic versions.
  • “E-journals” are becoming quite popular given the Internet capabilities. Publishers are finding it much less costly to publish their serials online, and many do so exclusively. In addition, many of these journals are open access publications, which allow researchers to more easily gather needed information.
  • The ISSN format is “ISSN 0000-0000,” which is printed on the journal cover. For electronic versions, “e-ISSN” is posted on the home page and is included in the DOI.

PubMed Indexing and Referencing Numbers

  • The PubMed Indexing Number (PMID) is used for articles in the PubMed database , which contains more than 27 million citations from several sources.
  • PMIDs are unique identifiers and are assigned to each record in the PubMed system. The code is found at the end of a PubMed citation and below the article’s author list and title.
  • The PubMed Central referencing number (PMCID) is required for listing in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant proposals and reports.
  • PMCIDs are assigned to an article in PubMed Central, which differs from the PubMed database. These articles comply with NIH’s Public Access Policy . PMCIDs are listed below the abstract.

Serial Item and Contribution Identifier

  • The Serial Item and Contribution Identifier (SICI) identifies specific parts of a serial, such as volume number.
  • It provides more information to those involved in indexing titles and content. SICI was created by the Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee (SISAC) to be an extension of ISSN to help identify specifics of an article. The code has become widely accepted and used by both publishers and researchers.
  • Item : The ISSN.
  • Contribution : Signifies the page numbers, title code.
  • Control : Type of SICI, part of article referenced (e.g., abstract), how content is presented (e.g., text), and version.

For example, “0095-4403(199502/03)21:3<12:WATIIB>2.0.TX;2-J” is SICI for “Bjorner, Susanne. “Who Are These Independent Information Brokers?” Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science , Feb–Mar. 1995, Vol. 21, no. 3, page 12.”

  • A CODEN is a six-character, alphanumeric code for both serial and non-serial science publications.
  • CODEN was designed and published in 1953 by a researcher at the Chronic Disease Research Institute to help him remember his reference publications, but became popular with scientists of all disciplines and is used for bibliographic indexing.
  • Usually, CODEN is for articles related to chemistry; however, publishers of non-chemistry articles can request a CODEN from the International CODEN Service.
  • Serial publications have a six-letter CODEN. The first four letters represent the journal title, and the fifth and sixth letters refer to one of the first six letters of the alphabet and the check character, respectively.
  • For non-serial publications, the first two characters of the CODEN are numbers followed by letters. The fifth character is taken from the entire alphabet, and the sixth is the check character.

In addition, as a researcher, you should recognize these various codes to make your searches less time-consuming. The links here will provide more identifying codes that you might also want to use; however, those listed here are the most common and universally used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The International Standard Serial Number is an 8-digit code used to identify unambiguously newspapers, journals, magazines and periodicals of all kinds and on all media–print and digital.

The ISSN can be thought of as the social security number of the serials world. Just as an individual's social security number is used in many automated systems to distinguish that person from others with the same or similar names, the ISSN distinguishes a particular serial from others with which it might be mistaken.

-  Publishers  who wish to identify their serial publications and incorporate a barcode on the magazine, journal or newspaper for sale via major retailers.

-  Libraries  that use the ISSN as a fundamental identifier for distinguishing between identical serial titles and facilitating checking and ordering procedures, collection management, legal deposit, digital preservation, interlibrary loans, etc.

-  Catalogue databases  that use the ISSN as a record control number and can make use of the records from the ISSN register.

-  Documentation centres and databases  that handle bibliographic references and use the ISSN for more accurate serials citation, abstracting and indexing services, etc.

-  Subscription agencies  which act as intermediaries between publishers and their customers, use the ISSN to ensure the correct serial publication is delivered.

-  Academics  who wish to cite publications with full details for research purposes.

-  Retailers / wholesalers  that use ISSN-based barcodes within their own internal systems in order to assess and control magazine/newspaper circulation.

Publications that are issued over time with no predetermined conclusion, whether print or digital (online resource, application for mobile device, CD-ROM for instance): serials (journals, newspapers, magazines, monographic series...), ongoing integrating resource(s) (websites, databases...).

The ISSN identifiers are assigned at the request of publishers or third parties. ISSN are assigned either by ISSN National Centres for resources handled by publishers located in their respective countries or by the ISSN International Centre for publishers based in countries without a National Centre, for international organizations, or for multinational publishers having a specific agreement with the ISSN International Centre [see section  8. You are a publisher, or a third party requesting an ISSN assignment ]. The ISSN International Centre and the 89 ISSN National Centres form together the  ISSN Network .

When a serial is available in more than one physical format and a separate ISSN has been assigned to each format, the ISSN Network designates a linking ISSN (ISSN-L) from one of these ISSN. The ISSN-L is available for use when there is a need to identify and link to a continuing resource without regard to format, for example in services such as OpenURL, library catalogues, search engines or knowledge bases.

Books (monographs) published within a series and annual / biennial publications are eligible for both ISBN and ISSN assignment. An ISBN identifies an individual book in a series, or a specific year for an annual or biennial, and a different ISBN is used for every book. An ISSN identifies the title of the monographic series, or the ongoing annual or biennial, and the same ISSN is displayed on every book published within that series as long as the series title remains unchanged. The series title must be clearly and explicitly stated on each book, for example, on the front or back cover, on the title page, or on the editorial page, in order to be eligible for an ISSN.

No, unlike the ISBN code, which contains country and publisher prefixes, an ISSN is an opaque identifier associated with a serial title, containing no information as to the publisher or its location.

No, the ISSN is not related to ownership of a journal and does not confer copyright. A new ISSN will be required if the change of publisher results in a change of the serial title.

ISSN is assigned to a specific title. A new ISSN is usually needed if a title changes.

Separate ISSN are needed for serials published in different physical formats. If your printed serial already has an ISSN and an online version is being produced for the first time, the online version is considered to be a new serial.

If a publication is being relaunched with the same title, then the existing ISSN is still valid for use, even if there has been a publishing gap. No new ISSN should be assigned in this circumstance. If a serial reverts to a title that it held previously, a new ISSN needs to be assigned. The publisher cannot revert to using the previous ISSN.

[See section  My publication has been assigned an ISSN. How should I print / display it? ]

ISSN

What is an ISSN?

isbn/issn number

An ISSN is an 8-digit code used to identify newspapers, journals, magazines and periodicals of all kinds and on all media–print and electronic.

Which publications are concerned by an ISSN?

What form does an issn take, what is its role, where is it displayed.

An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) identifies all continuing resources, irrespective of their medium (print or electronic):

  • newspapers,
  • annual publications (reports, directories, lists, etc.),
  • collections,

In many countries, an ISSN is mandatory for all publications subject to the legal deposit.

The ISSN takes the form of the acronym ISSN followed by two groups of four digits, separated by a hyphen. The eighth digit is a check digit calculated according to a modulus 11 algorithm on the basis of the 7 preceding digits; this eighth control digit may be an “X” if the result of the computing is equal to “10”, in order to avoid any ambiguity.

  • ISSN 0317-8471
  • ISSN 1050-124X

The ISSN role is to identify a publication.

It is a digital code without any intrinsic meaning:

  • it does not include any information about the origin or contents of the publication,
  • it does not guarantee the quality or validity of the contents.

The ISSN is associated with the title of the publication. If the publication is modified significantly, a new ISSN must be assigned.

For a print publication , the ISSN should be shown:

  • preferably, in the upper right corner of the cover,
  • failing that, on the pages where editorial information is shown (publisher, frequency, colophon, etc.).

For a publication in electronic media , the ISSN should be shown:

  • on the homepage or on the main menu, if it is an online publication,
  • on any part visible to the naked eye (microfiche header, CD-Rom or DVD label, box, case, etc.), if the publication is on a physical medium.

If a publication is identified by ISSN and ISBN, both of these identifiers should be mentioned.

A few definitions • Continuing resources : a continuing resource is a resource, on any medium, that is published over time without a predetermined end. Serial publications and ongoing integrating resources are continuing resources. They are defined by the ISO 3297 standard. • Serial publication : a serial publication is an unfinished set of documents, published successively under the same title, for an undetermined period of time. The ISO 3297 standard defines it as a publication, in any medium, issued in successive parts, usually having numerical or chronological designations, that has no predetermined end. • Ongoing integrating resource: an ongoing integrating resource is a non-fixed resource. It can be updated at any time by adding information or by replacing obsolete information with new information. It is defined by ISO 3297 as a continuing resource that is completed by updates integrated into the body of the work. Click here to learn more

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  • FAQs: Ownership and Re-Usage Rights
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isbn/issn number

Welcome to the U.S. ISBN Agency!

Bowker is the official source for ISBNs in the United States.

An ISBN uniquely identifies your book, and facilitates the sale of your book to bookstores (physical and digital) and libraries. Using ISBNs allows you to better manage your book's metadata, and ensure maximum discoverability of your book. Your book is listed in Bowker Books in Print ® , which is used by all the major search engines and most bookstores and libraries.

You can go to My Identifiers to get your ISBNs instantly.

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Guides • Understanding Publishing

Posted on Nov 09, 2021

How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author

As a self-publishing author, you can get an ISBN barcode for your book by purchasing it from an ISBN agency like Bowker for $125, or for free from other publishers and distributors, like Draft2Digital. Keep in mind you’ll need an ISBN number for each version of your title (e.g. print or ebook). 

1. Choose between free and paid ISBNs

There are a handful of big ISBN vendors, like Bowker and Nielsen, who are a lot of authors’ go-to sources for ISBNs. However, depending on your publishing aims, it’s also possible to also use cheap or free ISBNs. 

Where to get free ISBN numbers

In the US and UK, many aggregators (companies that distribute your book to multiple retailers) will assign indie authors an ISBN for free, or at a discount. These aggregators include:

Some government territories, such as Canada, provide free ISBN numbers (lucky you)! You can get more information about your regional providers in the second step of this how-to.

A note on ASINs

While we’re talking about free ISBNs, it’s worth mentioning an alternative: the ASIN. The ASIN functions similarly to the ISBN, but is only used within Amazon — and you’re given one for free whenever you publish a book on Amazon . 

So why would you need both? Basically, while you cannot rely on a book’s ASIN to find it outside of Amazon, you can always count on an ISBN.  For that reason, if you plan to “go wide” on other sites — or have distribution in brick-and-mortar stores — you’ll need an ISBN in addition to an ASIN. If you plan to self-publish on Amazon exclusively, you can, by all means, forego the ISBN costs and stick to the free ASIN. 

Do you need an ISBN number?

It'll only take a minute!

Why you might want to buy an ISBN anyway

So you can get an ISBN for free or at a discounted price, or if you’re only publishing digitally on Amazon, you don’t need an ISBN at all. So why would anyone ever pay for an ISBN? 

Aha! Here’s the catch: when you register for an ISBN number through an aggregator like the ones we listed above, industry regulations mean that you are limited to the retail channels of that company alone, whereas simply buying an ISBN from the start means you can expand wherever you see fit. 

To show you what we mean: maybe you’re selling your book on Amazon (an individual platform), and then decide to go wider through Draft2Digital (an aggregator). The former provides you with a free ASIN and the latter with a free ISBN. 

But let’s say your sales aren't too strong, and you want to make your book available on other distribution channels, like BookBaby and eBookPartnership. If you don’t have an independently-bought ISBN, you’ll need to register for separate numbers from each of those publishing companies as well. This can snowball into you having several ISBNs and different publishers all listed for the same book, which looks seriously unprofessional and may harm your book’s chances of getting stocked in brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to keep your ISBN consistent between aggregators, or if you’re happy with a mix. And if you aren’t sure which decision is in your best interests, perhaps consider working with a professional book marketer to ensure you maximize your own chances of success.

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2. Identify providers in your region 

Each country or territory has its own regional provider of ISBNs. Perhaps the best-known ISBN provider is Bowker , the official administrator for the United States. In the United Kingdom, authors can buy a number through Nielsen. 

To find out whether ISBNs are free in your country (and for instructions on requesting a number), you can look up your local agency here .

ISBN Number - screenshot of a search for a local provider

Once you’ve identified your local provider, you’re ready to buy!

3. Buy ISBNs in bulk for the best value

One book, one ISBN needed, right? Not so fast.

Not only do ISBNs have a heavy discount on bulk purchases, but a single ISBN is rarely enough. Say you’re publishing a paperback. If you ever want to revise or release that paperback in a new edition, you’ll need a new ISBN. You’ll also need another ISBN for a future hardcover edition, and the same applies to releasing an audiobook. If you make all those single purchases via Bowker, you’re looking at $500 for 4 ISBNs, while a bulk purchase of 10 ISBNs will only set you back $295. 

Even if you’re only working on one book at the moment, 10 ISBNs are a sensible investment when you’re starting out. 

Bonus tip: Register your ISBN with Bowkerlink

Regardless of where you live or who provided your ISBN, once you have received your number, you should register it at Bowkerlink . This will automatically add your title to Bowker’s Books In Print : a bibliographic database consulted by libraries around the world. Books In Print currently hosts about 7.5 million US book, audiobook , and movie titles, as well as 12 million international titles — and yours is about to be one of them!

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Tap into a world of new readers by getting your book into national libraries. Get started now.

Now you’ve sorted out all the practicalities and your book is ready for sale, why not check out more of our resources on what to do next. If you haven’t yet got a plan in place for promoting your book, our guide on that is a good place to start!

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ISBN / ISSN

  • An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a ten or thirteen digit number used to identify books and book-like resources.  
  • An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is an eight digit number used to identify publications which are produced at regular intervals, for example, print and electronic journals.
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How to Get an ISBN Number

Last Updated: November 25, 2023 Approved

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 148,988 times.

An International Standard Book Number is used to identify books, ebooks, and other publications. If you’re a publisher, self-publishing writer, or a company representative interested in putting out literature that can be easily catalogued, you should probably get an ISBN. The process of obtaining an ISBN varies somewhat from nation to nation. To begin the process, identify your national ISBN agency through the International ISBN Agency website. Click on your country and follow the directions provided by your national ISBN agency.

Gathering Necessary Information

Step 1 Find your national ISBN agency.

  • The website for the International ISBN Agency is available at http://www.isbn-international.org .

Step 2 Select the national agency in which your company’s headquarters is located.

Completing the Application

Step 1 Find your application.

  • The application should cite the cost of submitting the application. If it does not, ask your national ISBN agency about the cost and payment options.

Step 4 Get your ISBN.

  • In some cases you might get your ISBN mailed or emailed to you.
  • The length of time required for approval varies from place to place. Your national ISBN agency should be able to tell you how long you'll need to wait.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Every publisher has their own block of ISBNs. These numbers cannot be shared or sold. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not reuse ISBNs for new editions. Any time you publish a new edition, a new ISBN is required. For instance, if you publish a softcover version of a book that was previously released as a hardback, you’ll need a new ISBN. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

isbn/issn number

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Understand an ISBN Code

  • ↑ https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies
  • ↑ https://www.isbn.ac.ke/
  • ↑ http://www.nlsa.ac.za/
  • ↑ http://natlib.govt.nz/forms/isn

About This Article

Gerald Posner

To get an ISBN number, start by visiting the website for the International ISBN agency and clicking on the orange button labeled “Find an agency.” Next, select the national agency in which your company’s headquarters is located or your nation if you’re applying for yourself. Then, create an account with your national ISBN agency and fill out the application. In order to finish the application, you’ll need information such as the publisher’s name and address, the title of the publication, and the format of the publication. When you’re done with the application, pay the fee, and receive your ISBN by mail or email. To learn how to find the application for an ISBN, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Library Resource Identifiers -- Call Number, Barcode, ISBN, ISSN, DOI and Persistent Link: Home

Call number.

A call number on the book spine tells the user where the book is specifically and physically located on the shelf. Functioning like a book's address in the library, a book call number is a combination of letters and numerals labeled at the bottom of the book spine. Each book's call number is unique.

To find one particular book on the shelf, you have to know its call number first, which you obtain by searching either the classic catalog or OneSearch . The first letter(s) represent(s) the subject associated with the book. For instance, H is for social science and RT is for nursing. Once you find the book you are looking for, you will notice that the neighboring books bear the same or similar subjects. Letters are read in alphabetical order and numbers in numerical order. ( Hint : Remember that everything after the decimal is read as a decimal.) The whole call number system is called the Library of Congress (LC) Classification system . Sometimes books in different collections at York have different prefixes on their spine labels, which tell books' locations, too. For example, REF for reference collection, RESE for materials put in the Circulation and Reserve, and CMC for the Curriculum Materials Center (children and juvenile literature collection). Books in the general Stacks collection don't bear a prefix. This picture below shows what call numbers look like on the shelf in the general collection.

Examples of Call Numbers

Each book has a unique barcode, which is usually affixed to the last page prior to the back cover in our library's books, or sometimes to an interior page to avoid covering significant text. As the system inventory number for each book, barcodes can be read electronically. When you take the book to the Circulation Desk, its barcode will be scanned into the computer system, you will be told how long you can keep the book out and when you should return it. Due to system migration in the past, our library has a substantial number of books that don't have barcodes. If you come across books without barcodes, please kindly take them to the Circulation Desk, and they will be passed on to cataloging professionals so that they can get barcodes and be checked out.

Examples of Barcodes

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

Generally speaking, ISBNs are nationally or internationally standardized numbers that publishers obtained for monographic publications from the affiliated ISBN agency. The ISBN , assigned on or after 1 January 2007, has 13 digits and 10 digits if assigned before 2007.

" Each ISBN is unique to a title, edition of a book, or monographic publication -- braille, microform, and electronic publications, as well as audiobooks, educational/instructional videos/DVDs and software -- published or produced by a specific publisher or producer." That means a paperback, a hardcover, and an ebook of the same title will have a different ISBN . ISBN is an effective identifier to help you locate a particular book in the library system.  

An Example of ISBN

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

ISSNs are eight-digit, unique, standardized numbers assigned to serial publications, such as magazines and journals, for the purpose of registering, ordering, and cataloging. An ISSN is an effective access point that helps one locate a specific serial in the library system, which can be very helpful especially since sometimes more than more journal has the same (or a similar) title. An official ISSN is usually formatted with a hyphen between the first four digits and the last four digits. When a serial is published in various media, a linking ISSN or ISSN -L will be assigned to group them together.

An Example of ISSN

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique code mainly assigned to each article in academic journals. It can also be used for book chapters and other publications when it is considered necessary by publishers, too. The format of DOI is quite different from that of ISBN and ISSN, and it usually includes numerals and letters, some times punctuations as well. A DOI will keep the article forever retrievable in the event that a journal changes its name or ceases publishing. ISBN and ISSN don't need to be included in citation lists. However, a DOI, if it can be identified from the article that you downloaded, needs to be included in citation list. If the database didn't provide the DOI, you can check Crossref to look up the DOI. ( Hint : When using Crossref, use the second option to "Search on article title", then enter the last name of the primary author, and enter the title of the article but do not enter the subtitle .)

An Example of DOI

Here are a few examples of DOI in citation lists.

DOI in APA Reference List

Herbst, D. M., Griffith, N. R., & Slama, K. M. (2004). Rodeo cowboys: Conforming to masculine norms and          help-seeking behavior for depression. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 38, 20-35. doi:10.1037/rmh0000008

DOI in MLA Reference List

Reinhart, Katrinka. "Rethinking Urbanism in the Early Bronze Age of China: The Role of Craft Specialists and Community        Politics in the Social Construction of Yanshi Shangcheng." Archeological Research in Asia , vol. 14, pp. 106-120.        ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2017.04.002.

DOI in Chicago Style Reference List

Peltonen, Kirsi, Noora Ellonen, Helmer B. Larsen, and Karin Helweg-Larsen. “Parental Violence and Adolescent Mental Health.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 19, no. 11 (2010): 813-822. doi: 10.1007/s00787-010-0130-8.

Acceptable DOI Format in Citation

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2017.04.002 doi: 10.1016/j.ara.2017.04.002

Unacceptable DOI Format in Citation

10.1016/j.ara.2017.04.002 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2017.04.002

Note: In old way, a DOI number should be preceded by "doi:"  According to recent change, "http://dx.doi.org/" is preferred by publishers as prefix. Both are the right formats. To be safe, take and include what you directly see from the article. In APA style, no period is used at the end of the doi; in MLA and Chicago, the doi is ended with a period.

Persistent Link

The link in the address bar or the Universal Resource Locator (URL) are not permanent gateways pointing to electronic resources, especially when using a subscription database. To cite an electronic resource and indicate its permanent location in the database, ejournal or ebook, you need its Persistent Link, which is also called Permanent Link or Stable URL. When you want to save a link to an article, make sure that you take its Persistent Link. Do not copy and paste links from the address bar. Here is an example from JSTOR:

An Example of Persistent Link in JSTOR

You can also create a Persistent Link when using OneSearch. Below is the Persistent Link for the same article in OneSearch. You will notice that the digital ID number in JSTOR is part of the link that OneSearch automatically generates.

An Example of Persistent Link in OneSearch

Note: Compared with DOI, Persistent Links are not one hundred percent persistent. Persistent Links can change according to publishers' needs.

ORCID

ORCID stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID. ORCIDs are unique, persistent, alphanumeric digital identifiers provided to individual researchers ( not materials) to identify and represent themselves, ensuring their online digital identities are recognizable and transferrable. ORCIDs can be used in conjunction with other professional information, such as affiliations, educational background, employment history, and scholarly achievements and activities. A typical example could be https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1908-3577. An  ORCID is a researcher's digital identity, which does not need to be included in the reference list. Some publishers may request that researchers submit their ORCIDs along with manuscripts.

Asst Prof/Head of Cataloging & Serials

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  • Last Updated: Aug 9, 2022 2:46 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.york.cuny.edu/identifiers

CERN Accelerating science

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  • ISBN/ISSN (International Standard Book or Serial Number)

We can allocate an ISBN/ISSN to material produced by CERN Authors and published by CERN.

Having an ISBN assigned is useful for:

  • Printed books and pamphlets
  • Computer software
  • Educational videos
  • Multimedia kits containing printed material
  • Online publications as advised by the ISBN Agency

If you are publishing the same material in different formats (for example hardback printed book, paperback printed book, EPUB, PDF, etc.), we will allocate an ISBN to each format.

> How to get an ISBN/ISSN

If you want to publish a book or a report and you need an ISBN, please send us a ticket: Request an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) .

In order to allocate the ISBN/ISSN to your material we need to know:

  • Product form (printed book, ebook, etc.)
  • Contributor
  • Country of publication
  • Publication date

Where to show the ISBN

The ISBN must appear on the object itself.

In the case of printed publications, the ISBN must appear on the:

  • Verso of the title page (copyright page)
  • Foot of the title page, if there is no space on the title verso
  • Lower section of the outside back cover
  • Foot of the back of the sleeve, or any other protective case, or wrapper

In the case of electronic publications, the ISBN must appear on one of these options (depending on the object itself):

  • Title display
  • The first display (online publications)
  • On the screen that displays the title or its equivalent (e.g., the initial screen displayed when the content is first accessed and/or on the screen that carries the copyright notice)

You can find more detailed information in the ISBN Users’ Manual .

When different formats are made available separately, all the ISBNs should be listed one below the other on all versions and the abbreviated format should be mentioned in parentheses at the end of its ISBN.

Examples: ISBN 978-92-9083-411-3 (hardback) ISBN 978-92-9083-423-4 (paperback) ISBN 978-92-9083-455-9 (PDF) ISBN 978-92-9083-503-3 (EPUB with DRM)

More information about ISBN on Persistent identifiers for objects

] Good to know

  • If you want to know more about what objects should be allocated with an ISBN, please read section 3 of the ISBN Users’ Manual .
  • Please be aware that we can only allocate an ISBN to CERN publications and that we will not allocate ISBNs to publications about experiments which have not yet been approved by CERN.
  • If you are a student who wants an ISBN for a thesis, please forward your request directly to your university.
  • If you are a CERN author publishing with a publisher other than CERN, the ISBN will be allocated by the chosen publisher.
  • If you are thinking about self-publishing your book, please contact @email . We are glad to provide help.
  • Submit & Publish
  • Persistent identifiers (ISBN, DOI, ORCID, etc.)

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ISBN for eBooks

Isbn for paperbacks.

  • ISBN for hardcover

How to get a free ISBN from KDP

How to use your own isbn.

  • What is an Imprint

Compare using KDP ISBN or your own ISBN

View your isbn, change your isbn, re-using an isbn from outside of kdp.

  • Troubleshooting:
  • Error message saying information doesn't match

Error on KDP after updating my information on Bowker

Isbn for hardcovers.

  • Sign in: http://kdp.amazon.com .
  • On your Bookshelf , next to the book you want to update, click the ellipsis ("…") under Paperback or Hardcover Actions.
  • Select Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content .
  • In the Print ISBN section, select Get a free KDP ISBN.
  • Click Assign me a free KDP ISBN.
  • Sign in:  http://kdp.amazon.com .
  • On your  Bookshelf , next to the book you want to update, click the ellipsis ("…") under Paperback or Hardcover Actions.
  • Select  Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content
  • In the Print ISBN section, select  Use my own ISBN.
  • Enter your own ISBN and Imprint in the fields provided. 

What is an Imprint?

  • Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle eBook Actions.
  • Select Edit eBook Content .
  • Scroll down to the Kindle eBook ISBN section to see the ISBN you’ve assigned.
  • For paperbacks:
  • Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle Paperback Actions.
  • Select Edit Paperback Content .
  • Scroll down to the Print ISBN section to see the ISBN assigned.
  • For hardcover:
  • Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Hardcover Actions.
  • Select Edit Hardcover Content .
  • Scroll to the Print ISBN section to see the ISBN assigned.

  

  • Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle eBook Actions.
  • Select  Edit eBook Content .
  • Clear the ISBN field. Remember that an ISBN is not required for eBooks. 
  • Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle Paperback Actions.
  • Select  Edit Paperback Content .
  • Under the Print ISBN section - click on Assign me a free KDP ISBN .
  • Save the change.
  • Re-enter the ISBN in the book you want to use your ISBN.
  • For hardcovers:
  • Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Hardcover Actions.

Troubleshooting

Error message saying information doesn’t match.

  • Go to Bowker's website . This is not an Amazon website. You will need to contact Bowker and/or myidentifiers.com if you have questions about ISBN metadata.
  • Verify the imprint name, title, and author associated with your ISBN.
  • Go to your  Bookshelf .
  • Click the ellipsis button (“…”) under Paperback Actions  or Hardcover Actions next to the book you want to update.
  • Click Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content .
  • Update your ISBN and imprint name options as needed. Your ISBN information must match  myidentifiers.com . To ensure you are providing the most accurate information you can copy the imprint name from the myidentifiers.com website and paste it into your title setup on KDP.
  • Be sure to update your interior and cover files to match any recent ISBN changes.

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How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

POSTED ON Jun 20, 2023

Scott Allan

Written by Scott Allan

Figuring out how to get an ISBN number for a self-published book may sound scary, but it's actually more simple than many authors think!

If you're self-publishing a printed book , the best action you can take is to get your own ISBN as a self-published author. 

Regardless if a book was self-published or traditionally published , every printed book needs an ISBN, and securing this number is a big step in your publishing endeavors.

But, many writers that are just taking the first step toward becoming an author still have a lot of questions about this topic.

Questions like… What is an ISBN number? How do you get an ISBN number for a self-published book? Do I buy one or just get it for free through KDP or an aggregator? How much does an ISBN cost? Are ISBNs for big-name publishers only?

In this post, we want to answer the commonly asked questions about ISBN numbers for self-published books , as well as everything else you need to know to buy, register, and imprint your ISBN.

Self-Publishing Company

As you read through these questions, we encourage you to open up these two websites in different tabs:

  • MyIdentifiers  
  • ISBN International  

There is a wealth of information on those sites regarding ISBNs (including how to buy an ISBN number for your self-published book) that we will cover while going through these questions.

Now, before you start thinking about ISBN numbers, let me ask you this: Do you have a book ready to publish? If not, you can start preparing for an ISBN now, but you’ll definitely want to finish writing your book first !

Here are the questions we will answer about book ISBNs:

1. what is an isbn number for a book.

Let's start with the most basic question: “What is an ISBN number?”

ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number , is an internationally-recognized, 13-digit number that’s used as a unique identifier for books. Each individual book, specific book edition, and any other book-like product must have an ISBN number in order to be printed and distributed in retail bookstores, libraries, and wholesale companies. This number can be used to identify the book's code digits, language, publisher, book title , edition, and format.

ISBN numbers are not required for eBooks, and for books that will not be available in stores or libraries.

2. How and why were ISBNs created?

In the days of WW2, MI6 recruited a young mathematician named Gordon Foster to work as a codebreaker, where he scanned millions of numbers looking for patterns in the code used by the Japanese military.

Decades later, when the book industry needed a standardized tracking program to organize the growing number of titles being published every year, Gordon Foster was approached by British retailer, WH Smith. He hired Foster to write a report on how to create such a system.

And this report ultimately led to the ISBN system that is now used worldwide.

3. Can self-publishers get an ISBN?

ISBN numbers can be acquired by any publisher. And a self-publisher is a publisher, so yes! You will apply for an ISBN like anyone else. Refer to myidentifiers.com or keep reading to learn how to get an ISBN number.

4. How do I buy an ISBN in the US? If I live outside the USA?

ISBNs are issued based on location. 

If you live in the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker , which is the only company authorized to administer ISBN numbers in the US. 

Here is how to buy an ISBN number in the US:

  • Go to myidentifiers.com
  • Click on “ISBN”
  • Select the quantity you'd like to purchase
  • Click “Buy Now”
  • Complete checkout

In Canada , where the ISBNs are issued for free, you can visit the ISBN Canada—Library and Archives website.

Living in the UK, Ireland, or a British Overseas Territory , check out Nielsen ISBN Store .

For other international authors, you can visit the International ISBN Agency . 

Note: While ISBNs are assigned locally, you can use them internationally.

5. Do I need a different ISBN for every country the book is published in?

No, you don’t need an ISBN if the book is available in other countries – as long as it appears in the same format and language.

However, you DO need an ISBN for each format and edition of the book. This includes publications in different languages. Refer to the International ISBN Agency for a list of language codes.

6. How to get an ISBN number for a self-published book?

As a self-publisher, you have two options. You can either buy an ISBN number for your book(s) or obtain one for free through your self-publishing platform .

If you’re a resident of the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker by following the step-by-step instructions above. Or, you can obtain one for free via Amazon’s KDP or by uploading to Draft2Digital or SmashWords . 

Regardless of how you get an ISBN number, it's important to note that you only need one ISBN number per book. This is registered to your self-published book and stays with the book – regardless of the different stores or platforms, it's sold on.

7. How many numbers should an ISBN have?

Due to the large volume of eBooks now published each year, all ISBN numbers are now 13 digits. All ISBN numbers issued prior to 2007 were 10 digits long.

Note: Older ISBN numbers with only 10 digits can now be converted into a 13-digit code with the ISBN conversion tool from Bowker .

8. What is an ISBN number used for?

An ISBN is the standard ID number used to identify books by booksellers, libraries, book wholesalers, and distributors.

It is used to identify each published book and each edition of the same book, as well as the publisher of the book. You can tell a lot about a book, its author, and the publisher by knowing how to read the ISBN number.

Let's use the picture here to show you how it works in practice.

What Is The Isbn Of A Book

The 13-digit ISBN number is broken up into 5 parts that identify the following:

  • Book Code Digits: The first three digits, “978” indicate that this string of numbers is for a book ISBN.
  • Language of the Book: The language for an English version is identified with an “0” or “1.” You can reference this complete list at the International ISBN Agency .
  • Book title, Edition, and Format: The six-digit series represents the title of the book.
  • Check Digit: “0” is the last digit and is known as the “check digit.” This number is mathematically calculated as a fixed, single digit.

9. How do I find the ISBN number of a book? 

There are several ways to look up the ISBN number of a book, both on the book itself and online. Here's how to find an ISBN number of any book:

  • Check the back cover of the book , and look for the ISBN near the publisher's barcode.
  • Look on the copyright page located at the front of the book near the title page.
  • Search for the book's ISBN online using the author or title on ISBN Search .

Find Isbn Number

11. How can I find my book’s ISBN number?

You can easily find the ISBN of your book using the same online tool.

To look up your book's ISBN number, follow these steps:

  • Visit the website ISBN Search
  • Enter your (the author's) name or book title.
  • Click “Search,” and the related books will appear in the results.

Lookup Isbn Numbers

12. Should a self-published author get an ISBN?

Yes, your self-published book should have an ISBN if you plan to sell your printed book in bookstores and libraries , through Amazon self-publishing , and/or online retailers and book aggregators.

There are limitations to this. For eBooks , a book ISBN number is not needed, except for certain exceptions, like if you publish through digital online distributors/aggregators. For example, Draft2Digital requires your book to have an ISBN. Although they will provide you with an ISBN for free, we recommend buying your own , for reasons explained further down in this post.

Here are the top reasons to buy an ISBN for a self-published book:

  • If you want your book sold in bookstores and retail stores
  • If you want your book circulated in libraries
  • If your book will be printed (not solely an eBook)
  • If you plan to use a book aggregator company to publish

In short, it doesn’t matter if you are writing a children’s book or a nonfiction book . Your printed book needs an ISBN if you envision it in the bookstore or on the shelves of your local library.

13. What reasons would a self-published author not need an ISBN?

If you are only publishing an eBook, and you have no plans to write and publish anything more, you won’t need an ISBN. 

Or, if you are happy to only publish through Amazon KDP (print edition) and not use other online retailers, you can request a free ISBN book number via Amazon. 

14. If I get an ISBN, does that mean my book is copyrighted?

No, ISBN is administered by a private company for the use of the international book trade, while copyright is administered by the Library of Congress and is an extension of intellectual property law.

15. Does a book have to be published to have an ISBN?

No, you can obtain an ISBN for your book even if it is not published yet.

ISBNs are issued to publishers, who then assign them to individual books. This can be done at any time, even before the book is written.

16. Can I register my ISBN once it has been approved?

Yes, you can register your ISBN number once it is approved.

Once you have received your number, you should register it at Bowkerlink . Bowker hosts about 12 million international titles, and registration with them places your book in their massive bibliographic database.

17. Are ISBN numbers transferable across different book formats?

No. A single ISBN can be issued for each book only.

For example, if you publish your book in paperback, hardcover, and eBook versions, a separate ISBN number is required for each format.

It is one ISBN per book only, and once assigned to a book, an ISBN number can never be reused.

18. Why would you have to assign a new ISBN number to a book?

ISBNs will need to be changed if certain changes are made to your book. This can be summarized into these 6 common changes and updates:

  • The book is printed in Large Print. Remember, every variation/version requires its own ISBN.
  • The book is published in a foreign language. This would be considered a different format and needs a separate ISBN.
  • If additional material is added to the book. For example, several new chapters are added. This could also mean the book is relaunched as a 2nd edition.
  • If the title and/or subtitle are changed.
  • If changes are made to the binding.
  • If the book is published in another size. For example, for a 5×8, 5.5×8.5, or 6×9, each of these would require a separate ISBN.

Essentially, any changes to the book that makes it appear as a “different product” would require a new book ISBN.

It's important to note that not all changes require a new ISBN number.

Changes that don't require a new ISBN:

  • Changing the book price
  • Creating a new cover design
  • Changing your distributor or printer
  • Small corrections to the content of the book. This includes correcting grammatical errors or improving a few paragraphs.

Here's a guide you can use to determine whether or not you need to buy another ISBN number for your book:

19. If I revise the inside content of a book, do I need to replace the current ISBN?

If you only make line edits or correct typographical errors and don’t make any substantial changes and/or additions to the text, this is considered a reprint, and you don’t need a new ISBN number.

A new edition would contain a significant amount of new material, a major revision, or the addition of completely new chapters and/or sections. Anything that makes it a ‘new book’ is likely to create a new edition. Therefore, a new ISBN would be required.

20. If I just change the cover or the title of the book, do I need a new ISBN?

You can continue to use the same ISBN if the cover is changed.

But if you change the title and/or subtitles and you will have to launch the print version of the book as a new title again, as this is recognized as a different book.

21. Is it acceptable to have several ISBNs for the same book?

No, you really don’t want several ISBNs for your book. This can become a tangled mess and looks unprofessional. But it can happen when several retailers issue free ISBNs for the book.

Online aggregators such as Draft2Digital and Smashwords free ISBNs are not transferable. So, if they are issuing a free one, it is exclusive to that site only. This is the same with Amazon.

The best solution? Buy your own ISBN (more on that later). When you buy your own, the same number is used for that format no matter where it is published.

22. How much does an ISBN cost?

The price of ISBN numbers varies and you can buy single ISBNs or a bundle of them. The going rate for a single ISBN costs $125, while 10 ISBNs cost $295, 100 ISBNs cost $575, and 1000 ISBNs cost $1500.

The most affordable option is to buy one single ISBN number on Bowker .

But just remember, if you ever publish another edition of your book, or another book entirely, you will need more than one ISBN. Therefore, buying multiple ISBNs at once could save you a lot of money over time.

How Much Does An Isbn Cost

Note: that these prices are based on the price listings at Bowker for those living in the United States. For ISBNs purchased internationally, prices do vary (and are often cheaper).

23. How many ISBNs should I buy?

Deciding how many ISBNs to buy is a personal decision and depends on your publishing goals. If you are a busy author publishing a new book every 4-6 weeks, in multiple languages and several formats, it would be smart to buy 100 ISBN numbers from the onset.

Remember that ISBNs do not expire. 

And, consider if you use 3 ISBNs for each book in one language, you could use up a block of ten very quickly if publishing regularly.

The number of ISBNs you should buy also depends on whether or not you are assigning an ISBN to your eBook as well as printed versions. Although eBooks are not, at this time, required to have an ISBN, it does look more professional.

If you write one book and you don’t have plans to do any more, one ISBN will probably do. But for career authors, you should begin with the end in mind. 

24. How to get an ISBN for free? 

If you live in Canada, ISBNs are issued for free. If you live in the United States, you can get your book’s ISBN for free through your self-publishing platform, such as Amazon and Draft2Digital .

25. What are the pros and cons of getting a free ISBN?

The main advantage is…it’s free . This can be convenient if you're publishing on a budget . Or if it’s difficult to obtain an ISBN in the region you live in. 

The disadvantage of receiving a free ISBN:

  • You have to list Amazon (or the self-publishing platform) as the publisher along with other limitations .
  • You could end up with several ISBNs for the same book, and this looks unprofessional. For example, you receive a different ISBN from Amazon, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords . 
  • Free ISBNs are non-transferable. You can’t take your free ISBN from Amazon and use it with another retailer.

If you can, we recommend buying your own ISBN.

If you are in the US, you purchase through Bowker , or if you’re in the UK, you purchase through Nielson . Both sites make it very easy to buy ISBNs. Depending on your international location, you could go through a lot of red tape to get your book ISBN number, but most authors agree it's worth the trouble.

26. Do I need an ISBN number to get my book into libraries?

Yes. If you want to stock your book in libraries, you’ll need an ISBN that you purchased and registered. 

The library market is huge, and, if you are serious about expanding the distribution of your book, this is not an opportunity you want to pass up.

Overdrive is the biggest supplier of eBooks to libraries and has circulated over 105 million+ books to date to libraries.

Again, a free ISBN will not do. The ISBN number needs to be registered to a publisher – that would be you as the author (or your self-publishing company ).

27. Where does the ISBN number need to be printed on a self-published book?

You’ll print it on the copyright page, and it’s included in the Cataloging-in-Publication data block if you use one. 

Otherwise, just print it on the copyright page and on the back cover as part of the barcode.

28. Is an ISBN the same as a barcode? If not, what are the differences?

The ISBN and barcode are different. Although both are found on the back of the book in the same place, they both fulfill a different function.

The ISBN is found above the barcode on the back of the book. And by now, you can answer the question, “ What is an ISBN number? “

The barcode is a representation of the ISBN in a form that can be identified by scanners. It includes extra information such as:

  • The book’s fixed price and;
  • The currency it’s being sold in.

Here are some facts about barcodes and ISBNs according to Bowker :

  • A barcode is not an ISBN. It's a graphical representation of your book's ISBN and price.
  • To use a barcode, you'll already need your book's ISBN number and pricing information.
  • You can purchase and download a barcode after you've created an account at MyIdentifiers.com.
  • You can store your barcodes for future use at MyIdentifiers.com .
  • Make sure you enter the correct price on the barcode . Once the barcode is generated, the price cannot be changed.
  • If you change the cost of your self-published book, you will need a new barcode. The ISBN, however, does not expire and does not need to be changed if you change the price. 

The standard barcode is known as the EAN (European Article Number) barcode and your barcode must be in this format to sell your book in bookstores.

29. What is the difference between the ASIN and ISBN numbers?

An ASIN is not the same as an ISBN. ASIN is a number used by Amazon to identify products, whereas ISBN is the universal number for identifying a book. 

ASIN numbers are only used by Amazon to manage and identify the products they are selling. It’s a 10-character alphanumeric unique identifier that’s assigned by Amazon.com only.

If you want to sell through other platforms—or in brick-and-mortar stores— you’re going to need an ISBN.

You can find this ASIN on your book page. In your browser, the Amazon ASIN will be after the product’s name and “dp.” The next place to find this is in your book or product details area of your book page.

Note: ASIN numbers are exclusive to Amazon, are non-transferable, and cannot be used in place of an ISBN.

30. What is the Bookland EAN Barcode?

According to Publisher Services, an official US ISBN Agency Partner:

“An EAN—which begins with the Bookland prefix 978—is called a Bookland EAN code and is used on books and book related products internationally. The Bookland symbol is the barcode of choice in the book industry because it allows for encodation of ISBNs (the numbers publishers use to identify their products).”

Since an ISBN is unique to one particular title (or product), the corresponding Bookland EAN symbol is a title-specific marking that is unique for that title.

For example, if a title is available in hardcover, softcover, and as an eBook, three unique ISBN Bookland EAN barcodes are required.

31. Should I use a “free” barcode-generating tool to save money?

No, it’s not a good idea to use a free barcode-generating tool, and we do not recommend it to authors. 

Here's why: While it's a tempting way to save money while self-publishing, many free barcodes are created with unreliable bitmapped images. They run the risk of not scanning when your book is being purchased. And you won’t be saving money if the barcode can’t be scanned properly.

For peace of mind, always pay for your book barcode(s) through a reliable source.

32. Are book ISBN numbers and barcodes sold separately?

Yes, the ISBN and barcode are sold separately. But, the barcode cannot be purchased without the ISBN being bought first.

You need an ISBN to get a barcode, but you don’t need a barcode to publish a book. 

Bowker offers an ISBN and barcode savings pack. It is a great value if you want to save some money and make it easier for setting up your ISBN and barcode together.

Isbn Vs Barcode

33. What are the best resources for finding out more about ISBNs and barcodes?

As we have mentioned throughout these questions, there are several best resources for finding out everything on ISBNs, including how to buy and set up for your book.

Additional resources for researching ISBNs include:

  • International ISBN Agency
  • ISBN.org by Bowker
  • Bowkerlink Publisher Access System
  • Bowker Identifier Services
  • U.S. Copyright Office
  • ISBN Guides: Basic Information
  • SmashWords ISBN Manager
  • ISBN Canada: Library and Archives Canada

That's it! You’ve reached the end of our frequently asked questions about ISBNs.

If you'd like for experienced publishing professionals to handle the entire process of getting an ISBN for your book, we can do that for you! Discover how SelfPublishing.com can help you publish your book !

Now you know exactly how to get an ISBN number for your self-published book, why it’s important, and if you actually need it.

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Difference Between ISBN and ISSN

• Categorized under Miscellaneous | Difference Between ISBN and ISSN

isbn/issn number

ISBN vs ISSN

“ISBN” is “International Standard Book Number” and “ISSN” is “International Standard Serial Number.” Both ISBN and ISSN are codes that are used by publishers for numbering or serialising their publications.

One of the main differences between ISBN and ISSN is that the former one identifies the publisher whereas the latter one does not identify the publisher.

International Standard Book Number is given for monographs or books whereas the International Standard Serial Number is given to a series of monographs or books. In simple words, the ISBN is assigned for a single or separate book, and ISSN is assigned for a series of books. When ISBN identifies the specific volume or issue, the ISSN only identifies the series of the volume or issue.

In the case of the ISSN, it is only optional, which means that the publisher is not legally bound to use it. On the other hand, the ISBN is obligatory if the book falls under the ISBN application.

Unlike the ISBN, the ISSN will be the same in all the volumes or issues of a single series. On the other hand, ISBN is different for each volume and issue.

The International Standard Book Number is a 13-digit standard code. It was Gordon Foster who created for the first time a nine-digit ISBN code. Later the International Organization for Standardization developed the ten-digit standard number code. After 2007, the ISBN has a 13-digit number standard code.

The International Standard Serial Number is an eight-digit standard number. It is the number given to one set of the series, and once the series changes, another ISSN code is allotted. It was in 1971 that the ISSN system was first drafted. The ISSN standard number codes are assigned by the ISSN National Centers and are coordinated by the ISSN International Center that is based in Paris.

1.“ISBN” is “International Standard Book Number” and “ISSN” is “International Standard Serial Number.” 2.One of the man differences between the ISBN and ISSN is that the former one identifies the publisher whereas the latter one does not identify the publisher. 3.International Standard Book Number is given for monographs or books whereas International Standard Serial number is given to a series of monographs or books. 4.In the case of the ISSN, it is only optional, which means that the publisher is not legally bound to use it. On the other hand, the ISBN is obligatory if the book falls under the ISBN application.

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Cite APA 7 S, P. (2011, April 22). Difference Between ISBN and ISSN. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-isbn-and-issn/. MLA 8 S, Prabhat. "Difference Between ISBN and ISSN." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 22 April, 2011, http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-isbn-and-issn/.

10 Comments

Very nice information. Simple to understand.

VERY INFORMATIVE.

very nice and clear information.

Blurry information: The ISSN’s primary use is with magazines (from comic books to scientific journals) and newspapers, not “book series”. E-magazines and e-newsletters also carry an ISSN if the publisher has gotten one.

Thank Dr Dark!

This is good, thank you for explaning it with simplicity. Appreciate it.

it was very confusing to me…now it’s clear..thank you for explaining in such simple way.

Which one do we take now,Dr Dark’s own or you ppl’s own.

Thank you very much for making me this much cleare.

Thanks alot now i get to know more between them…

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ISBN vs ISSN: Difference and Comparison

Both ISBN and ISSN are codes or series of numbers. Publishers use these codes to serialise every publication. These codes are sets of unique numbers, and it helps to find every published written material.

ISBN and ISSN have the same aim, but they work for different types of publications. Both of the codes assist in identifying the books or series of books.

Key Takeaways ISBN is a unique identifier for books and other print media, while ISSN is a unique identifier for serial publications such as magazines and journals. ISBN consists of 13 digits, while ISSN consists of eight digits. ISBN is assigned to a specific publication edition, while ISSN is assigned to the publication as a whole and remains the same for each issue.

ISBN vs ISSN

ISBN specifies editions of books, and the ISSN is used for a series of books. ISSN is compulsory, whereas ISSN is avoidable by the publishers. ISBN is a thirteen-digit code, whereas ISSN is an eight-digit standard number.

ISBN vs ISSN

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ISBN is a thirteen-digit code used for a single book. ISBN is different for each volume. The same book’s other edition will have different ISBN codes. ISBN code helps to find out the publisher and details of the publication. This code is crucial for publication.

ISSN is an eight-digit code used for a series of books. ISSN is supposed to be the same in all the issues of a single string. Through ISSN, the series’ publisher can not be tracked down. A publisher does not need to use ISSN out of obligation.

Comparison Table

What is isbn.

The full term of ISBN is International Standard Book Number. This is a thirteen-digit number for the identification of a book. This ISBN can control the Publishing industry’s activities.

ISBN is for published hardcover and paperback books. ISBN code is different for different volumes. If a book has more than one edition, then all the editions will have other unique regulations. The number is divided into five parts and connected with a hyphen.

Before 2007 the ISBN code used to be a ten-digit number. So if a book has a ten-digit ISBN, it means it was published before 2007.

ISBN may appear useless and insignificant to ordinary people, but it is significant to the publishing industry, and getting ISBN for every book is essential.

The ISBN of the book can identify the publisher of the book. ISBN can not propose copyright, it is used to determine the book, and it is possible to find a specific book by its ISBN. In a paperback book, the ISBN can be seen on the bottom of the back cover.

It can be written as a number or printed as a barcode. This makes the sales process easier.

A publisher has to get ISBN for every publication. It is mandatory. Otherwise, they have to face legal issues.

isbn

What is ISSN?

In 1971 the ISSN system was formulated. ISSN is the abbreviation of International Standard Serial Number. ISSN is an international standard number to identify serial publications like newspapers, magazines, journals and other periodicals.

Both online and offline publications can get the ISSN code. It is an eight-digit number that comes after the uppercase ISSN. The eight digits are divided into two parts. Each part has four digits. A hyphen connects the two pieces in between.

The code does not provide any information about the origin or contents of the publication, nor does it guarantee the material’s quality either. ISSN takes no responsibility for the content of the magazine. ISSN does not ensure copyrights.

Publishers use it to identify their serial publications. Libraries also use it to identify and distinguish between identical serial titles. Academics use it for research purposes to cite the details of publications. ISSN helps to construct barcodes. ISSN’s International database is available online.

ISSN code can be seen on the cover page of the offline publication, and in the case of an online publication, one can see it on the home page. ISSN code remains the same for different issues of the same series.

This code is optional. The publishers are not legally bound to put ISSN code on a publication. It is not mandatory, so that the publisher can avoid it.

issn

Main Differences Between ISBN and ISSN

  • As the complete forms state, ISBN is used for a single book. ISSN is used for series and periodicals like magazines and journals.
  • ISBN is a thirteen-digit number, whereas ISSN is an eight-digit number.
  • ISBN code is supposed to be different in different volumes. But the ISSN code should be the same for other issues of the same series.
  • Putting ISBN is mandatory for the publisher. It is the publisher’s legal obligation. If the publisher does not get the ISBN code for his publication, he/she can face legal troubles. But ISSN is not unavoidable. The publisher is not bound to put ISSN in a publication; he/she can easily skip this without any problem.
  • Through ISBN, the publisher of that publication can be traced, but the ISSN code is not competent to track down the publisher.
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0895717700002910
  • https://e-currentscience.com/storage/app/archive/pdf/IC5Q3tB55bWsjmNzkNdQwysPDlaCbylAxCfy7NPB.pdf

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ISBN Location

Typical location of an ISBN on the back of a book.

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Apply for an ISBN, ISSN or ISMN

International Standard Numbers are unique identifiers for books, serials and music scores. They are not mandatory and do not provide copyright. They are used internationally across publication trades and the library sector.

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Apply for an International Standard Book Number through the Australian ISBN Agency at Thorpe-Bowker in Victoria, Australia.

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Apply for an International Standard Serial Number  through the Australian ISSN Agency at the National Library of Australia.

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Apply for an International Standard Music Number through the Australian ISMN Agency at the National Library of Australia.

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COMMENTS

  1. ISBN, ISSN, DOI: what they are and how to find them

    June 17, 2022 Discover some of the unique content identifiers that are used for published content at Wiley including ISBN, ISSN, and DOI. For articles or chapters, DOI is our preferred identifier when available. ISBN ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number and is used for books. ISBNs may be 10 or 13 digits.

  2. ISBN and ISSN Systems

    The number itself -- unlike the coded digits of the ISBN -- has no significance other than as a brief, unique, and unambiguous identifier; an ISSN consists of eight digits, specifically two groups of four digits, in Arabic numerals 0 to 9, except for the last -- or check -- digit, which can be an X.

  3. Welcome to The ISSN Portal

    The ISSN Portal, published by the ISSN International Centre , allows you to search through the worldwide database of ISSN bibliographic records , identifying and describing more than 2.3 million newspapers, magazines, journals, monographic series and continuing resources of all kinds, both print and onli...

  4. International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

    Tel.: (202) 707-4776 [email protected] Service hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:00 pm International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) If the ISSN did not exist, someone would have to invent it! About the U.S. ISSN Center

  5. ISBN, DOI, ISSN: A Quick Guide to Publication Identifiers

    The International Standard Book Number ( ISBN) is for books. ISBNs identify printed or digital books and are used as inventory-tracking devices. The code is usually found on the back cover of a book and includes a barcode.

  6. ISBN

    The International Standard Book Number ( ISBN) is a numeric commercial book identifier that is intended to be unique. [a] [b] Publishers purchase or receive ISBNs from an affiliate of the International ISBN Agency. [2] An ISBN is assigned to each separate edition and variation (except reprintings) of a publication.

  7. ISSN FAQ (Library of Congress)

    Who can use Uplink—do I have to be a publisher? Anyone can use Uplink to apply for ISSN. Accounts are available for staff from organizations of all kinds as well as for self-publishers. How much does it cost to use Uplink or get an ISSN? There is no charge to use Uplink. ISSN are free for users in the United States. How do I create an account?

  8. ISSN

    An International Standard Serial Number ( ISSN) is an eight-digit serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication (periodical), such as a magazine. [1] The ISSN is especially helpful in distinguishing between serials with the same title.

  9. 1. General information about ISSN

    What is an ISSN? 1.2. Why is an ISSN useful? 1.3. Who uses an ISSN? What are the practical uses of an ISSN? 1.4. What kind of publications are eligible to an ISSN assignment? 1.5. How are ISSN assigned? 1.6. What is an ISSN-L? 1.7. Can a publication have both an ISSN and an ISBN? 1.8. Does an ISSN have any meaning embedded in the number? 1.9.

  10. What is an ISSN?

    The ISSN takes the form of the acronym ISSN followed by two groups of four digits, separated by a hyphen. The eighth digit is a check digit calculated according to a modulus 11 algorithm on the basis of the 7 preceding digits; this eighth control digit may be an "X" if the result of the computing is equal to "10", in order to avoid any ...

  11. Welcome to the U.S. ISBN Agency!

    The official U.S. ISBN Agency. No other source can assign legitimate ISBNs to US publishers! Bowker also sells Book Barcodes, and tools for self-publishers. Skip to main content. Customer Support: (856) 399-7495. Home ; Buy ISBNs ; About ISBN . About the ISBN standard ...

  12. How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author

    As a self-publishing author, you can get an ISBN barcode for your book by purchasing it from an ISBN agency like Bowker for $125, or for free from other publishers and distributors, like Draft2Digital. Keep in mind you'll need an ISBN number for each version of your title (e.g. print or ebook). Want a professional-looking ISBN for your self ...

  13. ISBN / ISSN

    An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a ten or thirteen digit number used to identify books and book-like resources. An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is an eight digit number used to identify publications which are produced at regular intervals, for example, print and electronic journals.

  14. How to Get an ISBN Number: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

    1. Find your application. The path to the ISBN application varies from nation to nation. In some cases, after accessing the site of your national ISBN agency, the option to get an ISBN will be front and center. In other cases, you'll have to hunt around the site a bit in order to find the application. [3]

  15. Home

    Library Resource Identifiers -- Call Number, Barcode, ISBN, ISSN, DOI and Persistent Link: Home. Call Number . A call number on the book spine tells the user where the book is specifically and physically located on the shelf. Functioning like a book's address in the library, a book call number is a combination of letters and numerals labeled at ...

  16. ISBN/ISSN (International Standard Book or Serial Number)

    > How to get an ISBN/ISSN. If you want to publish a book or a report and you need an ISBN, please send us a ticket: Request an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). In order to allocate the ISBN/ISSN to your material we need to know: Title; Product form (printed book, ebook, etc.) Contributor ...

  17. ISBNs, ISSNs, and ISMNs

    An ISBN is 13 digit unique identifier number assigned to books and other print, electronic, or multimedia publications. It is used for printed books and pamphlets containing more than four pages of text, maps, e-books, pdfs, Braille publications and audiobooks.

  18. International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

    An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique number that is assigned to every published book. An ISBN identifies a book's edition, publisher, and physical properties like trim size, page count, and binding type. An ISBN allows retailers, libraries, and distributors to efficiently search for books.

  19. How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

    Here's how to find an ISBN number of any book: Check the back cover of the book, and look for the ISBN near the publisher's barcode. Look on the copyright page located at the front of the book near the title page. Search for the book's ISBN online using the author or title on ISBN Search. 11.

  20. Difference Between ISBN and ISSN

    1."ISBN" is "International Standard Book Number" and "ISSN" is "International Standard Serial Number.". 2.One of the man differences between the ISBN and ISSN is that the former one identifies the publisher whereas the latter one does not identify the publisher. 3.International Standard Book Number is given for monographs or ...

  21. ISBN vs ISSN: Difference and Comparison

    Comparison Table What is ISBN? The full term of ISBN is International Standard Book Number. This is a thirteen-digit number for the identification of a book. This ISBN can control the Publishing industry's activities.

  22. ISBN Search

    ISBN Database If you're looking for a book database with comprehensive book data searchable via API, check out ISBNdb.com . Subscription starts from only $14.95/mo per 5,000 daily calls. Find books easily using ISBN, title, or author searches. Search using ISBN-10 or ISBN-13.

  23. Apply for an ISBN, ISSN or ISMN

    Home Using the library Services for publishers Apply for an ISBN, ISSN or ISMN Apply for an ISBN, ISSN or ISMN International Standard Numbers are unique identifiers for books, serials and music scores. They are not mandatory and do not provide copyright. They are used internationally across publication trades and the library sector. ISBN

  24. Standardization Aspects of Caching and Coded Delivery in MEC Integrated

    Caching and coded delivery of content at the wireless edge have significantly enhanced content delivery performance. However, an attempt to incorporate it in various edge computing platform standards is lacking. This paper explores the standardization aspects of a caching and coded delivery system in a Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) enabled 5G system. In this paper, coded delivery is ...