Publishers often deal with the task of assigning identification numbers to their publications, such as International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) and International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). While both serve the purpose of uniquely identifying a publication, they have distinct differences that publishers should be aware of. In this guide, we will explore the key disparities between ISSN and ISBN to help publishers understand their importance and application.

What is an ISSN?

An ISSN is a unique identification number assigned to a serial publication, such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and online publications that are issued periodically. It is essential for cataloging and organizing serial publications in libraries and databases. ISSN consists of eight digits divided into two groups of four with a hyphen. If you don't have an ISSN number yet, you can get one by going to the International ISSN centre website and searching for your local ISSN Agency.

An ISSN can be turned into an ISSN barcode (in EAN-13 format) by putting "977" in front of the first seven digits of the ISSN number, then adding a 2 digit price code (usually "00"), then recalculating the check digit (the 13th digit). Sometimes an extra 2 digit barcode is added to the end to indicate the issue number (e.g. 01 = issue 1).

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a 13 digit unique identifier assigned to books and book-like products, including e-books, audiobooks, and microforms. ISBNs are crucial for tracking and managing the distribution of books in the marketplace. If you don't have an ISBN number yet, you can get one by going to the International ISBN Agency website and searching for your local ISBN Agency.

An ISBN barcode is an EAN-13 format barcode which encodes the 13 digit ISBN number into it. Usually the ISBN number is printed above the barcode bars.

One of the key distinctions between ISSN and ISBN is the type of publication they are assigned to. While ISSN is designated for serial publications that are issued periodically, ISBN is specifically assigned to books and book-like products. Additionally, ISSN is typically assigned to the entire publication as a whole, whereas ISBN can be assigned to different formats or editions of the same book.

In Summary

Publishers must ensure the correct allocation of ISSN and ISBN to their publications to avoid confusion and maintain accurate records. 

 In conclusion, ISSN and ISBN are essential tools for publishers to uniquely identify and categorize their publications. Understanding the differences between ISSN and ISBN is crucial for publishers to effectively manage and promote their works in the publishing industry. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, publishers can ensure the accurate assignment of ISSN and ISBN to their publications, ultimately enhancing their visibility and accessibility to readers and other stakeholders.