Key Differences Between ISSN and ISBN: A Guide for Publishers
Publishers often have to assign unique identification numbers to their publications, including International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) and International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). Though they both serve the purpose of uniquely identifying a publication, they are used differently and serve distinct purposes. This guide delves into the primary differences between ISSN and ISBN, offering valuable insights for publishers.
What is an ISSN?
An ISSN is a unique identifier for serial publications such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and digital content that is released on a regular basis. This identifier is critical for cataloging and managing serial publications in libraries and databases. ISSNs consist of eight digits, separated into two groups of four by a hyphen. If you need an ISSN, visit the International ISSN Centre to find your local ISSN Agency.
You can convert an ISSN into an ISSN barcode (EAN-13 format) by placing "977" before the first seven digits of the ISSN, adding a two-digit price code (typically "00"), and recalculating the check digit (the 13th digit). Sometimes an additional two-digit barcode is appended to denote the issue number (e.g., 01 = issue 1).
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN is a 13-digit unique identifier for books and related products, including e-books, audiobooks, and microforms. ISBNs are crucial for tracking and managing the distribution of books in the market. If you need an ISBN, visit the International ISBN Agency to locate your local ISBN Agency.
An ISBN barcode is an EAN-13 format barcode that encodes the 13-digit ISBN number. Usually, the ISBN number is printed above the barcode itself.
A major distinction between ISSN and ISBN lies in their application: ISSN is for serial publications issued periodically, while ISBN is for books and book-like products. Additionally, an ISSN typically covers the entire serial publication, whereas an ISBN can be assigned to different formats or editions of the same book.
In Summary
Publishers must correctly allocate ISSNs and ISBNs to their publications to avoid confusion and maintain accurate records.
In conclusion, ISSNs and ISBNs are indispensable tools for publishers to uniquely identify and categorize their publications. Grasping the differences between these identifiers is vital for managing and promoting publications effectively. By following the guidelines in this guide, publishers can ensure proper assignment of ISSNs and ISBNs, boosting their visibility and accessibility to readers and other stakeholders.