Overview

Introduction
Number Structure
Retrospective Conversion
Responsibility for Changes
FAQs
Glossary: Terminology & Acronyms
Key Dates

Number Structure

The new ISBN will consist of 13 digits, including the three-digit prefix that identifies the book industry (currently 978), followed by the core nine-digit number and the recalculated check digit that validates the internal integrity of the whole number. As such, it will also be identical to the European Article Number (EAN) 13-digit code that already appears encoded in the bar code printed on the back of the book.

The need arises for a new number structure for ISBN because the supply of numbers available to meet the growing number of publishers and publications worldwide is beginning to run out. When it becomes necessary—at some point after January 2007—the book industry will begin to use the additional EAN prefix 979.

The methods by which 13-digit ISBNs will be allocated will be different from current arrangements. It is unlikely that publishers will be assigned their existing prefixes when 979-prefixed ISBNs are distributed. Therefore, one cannot assume that 978 + publisher identifier will be the same as 979 + publisher identifier.

All these considerations make it essential that every part of the industry is ready to work with 13-digit ISBNs by January 1, 2007, as all books published after that date must carry 13-digit ISBNs.