ISBC stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to each edition and variation of a book, making it easier for publishers, booksellers, and libraries to manage their inventory and track sales.
The ISBC is a 13-digit number consisting of four parts: the prefix element, the registration group element, the registrant element, and the publication element. Each part plays a crucial role in identifying and classifying a book.
The prefix element, which is the first three digits of the ISBC, identifies the country or geographical region of the publisher. For example, the prefix ‘978’ is commonly used for books published in English-speaking countries.
The registration group element, which is the next one to five digits, identifies the specific publisher within a country or geographical region. This element helps to distinguish between different publishers within the same location.
The registrant element, which consists of one to seven digits, identifies the individual publisher or imprint. It allows for differentiation between different publishers operating within the same registration group.
The publication element, which is the last one to six digits, identifies the specific edition, format, or version of the book. It ensures that each variation of a book receives a unique ISBC.
The ISBC plays a crucial role in the global book trade. It enables efficient inventory management, facilitates the ordering and distribution process, and helps in tracking sales and royalty payments. Moreover, it allows booksellers and libraries to easily identify and categorize books, making it easier for readers to find the books they are looking for.
When a book is published, the publisher obtains an ISBC from the designated agency in their country or region. In the United States, for example, the agency responsible for assigning ISBCs is Bowker. The publisher provides the necessary information about the book, and Bowker assigns a unique ISBC based on that information. The publisher then includes the ISBC on the book’s cover, back cover, and copyright page.
The ISBC is not just limited to physical books. With the rise of e-books and digital publishing, the ISBC has also become essential for identifying and classifying digital publications. It ensures that each digital edition or format of a book receives a unique identification number, just like its physical counterpart.
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