Overview

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

Introduction

Since its inception in 1970, the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) has been recognized as the identification system for the publishing industry and book trade. The ISBN system serves as a key element of ordering and inventory systems for publishers, booksellers, wholesalers, libraries, and other organizations.

The revised International Organization of Standardization (ISO) standard represents the first change to the structure of the ISBN since its inception. To facilitate the continued smooth operation of a supply chain dependent on this identifier, all participants in the book trade will need to ensure that their systems are able to accommodate the new number structure without disruption when it is brought into effect on January 1, 2007. Every system in use that carries the ISBN—internal as well as those used for external communication—will need to be reviewed, as will the display of numbers on publications and in related documentation.

The following implementation guidelines do not attempt to solve every possible problem that might arise. Many of the issues that will emerge will only be resolved by individual discussions with users, trading partners, and systems providers. These guidelines exist to help book practitioners make the conversion by January 1, 2007, by giving general guidance on how to approach particular issues and identifying other sources of support.