Publishers often face the responsibility of assigning identification numbers to their publications, such as International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) and International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). While both are designed to uniquely identify a publication, they serve different purposes which are crucial for publishers to understand. In this guide, we’ll delve into the main differences between ISSN and ISBN to aid publishers in recognising their roles and applications.

What is an ISSN?

An ISSN is a distinctive identification number given to serial publications, such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and online resources released periodically. It plays a vital role in cataloguing and managing serial publications within libraries and databases. The ISSN comprises eight digits, split into two groups of four separated by a hyphen. To acquire an ISSN, visit the International ISSN Centre website and locate your regional ISSN Agency.

You can convert an ISSN into an ISSN barcode (in EAN-13 format) by prefixing the ISSN with "977", then appending a 2-digit price code (commonly "00"), and finally recalculating the check digit (the 13th digit). Sometimes, a 2-digit barcode is added to signify the issue number (e.g., 01 for issue 1).

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a 13-digit unique identifier assigned to books and related products, including e-books, audiobooks, and microforms. ISBNs are crucial for managing and tracking books in the marketplace. If you need an ISBN, you can obtain one from the International ISBN Agency website by finding your local ISBN Agency.

An ISBN barcode is a barcode in EAN-13 format encoding the 13-digit ISBN number. Typically, the ISBN number is displayed above the barcode itself.

A significant distinction between ISSN and ISBN is the type of publication they refer to. ISSN is used for serial publications released periodically, while ISBN is specifically for books and similar products. Furthermore, an ISSN is usually assigned to an entire publication, whereas different formats or editions of the same book can each receive their own ISBN.

In Summary

It’s important for publishers to accurately assign ISSN and ISBN to their publications to avoid any confusion and maintain precise records.

In conclusion, ISSN and ISBN are crucial tools that allow publishers to uniquely identify and categorise their publications. Understanding the differences between them is vital for effectively managing and promoting publications in the industry. By following the advice in this guide, publishers can ensure the correct allocation of ISSN and ISBN, thereby enhancing their visibility and accessibility to readers and other stakeholders.