Information and documentation - International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
1Key Takeaways
This document establishes the specifications for the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) as a unique international identification system for each product form or edition of a separately available monographic publication published or produced by a specific publisher that is available to the public. It specifies th…
2Expert Interpretation
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the technical specifications for the fifth edition of ISO 2108:2017, the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), covering the 13-digit ISBN structure, allocation rules, digital publication identification, ISBN-A conversion mechanisms, and metadata management requirements. It also details the standard's evolution and supply chain application scenarios, offering implementation recommendations and compliance guidance.
ISBN Standard Core Architecture
| Element | Length | Example | Assigning Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS1 Prefix | 3 Digits | 978/979 | GS1 Global Office |
| Registration Group | 1-5 Digits | 7(China) | ISBN Registry |
| Registrant | Variable | 02(The Commercial Press) | National ISBN Center |
Key Changes in Technological Evolution
Compared with the fourth edition in 2005, the main changes of ISO 2108:2017 include:
- Completely abolish the 10-digit ISBN format and fully adopt the 13-digit structure
- Add the ISBN-A conversion specification to support digital network analysis
- Strengthen the identification rules for digital publications and clarify the DRM scenario processing solutions
- Extend metadata requirements and connect with the ONIX standard system
Special Rules for Digital Publications
Application scenarios: When e-books are published on different platforms:
- The same content using different DRM technologies requires the allocation of independent ISBNs
- Only watermarking technology ("social DRM") may not require a new ISBN.
- It is recommended that rental and perpetually licensed versions use different ISBNs.
Example: If an academic monograph uses different encryption methods on the Kindle and Apple Books platforms, two ISBNs should be assigned.
Metadata Management Specifications
Metadata required by the standard include:
- Product format code (print/electronic/audio, etc.)
- Main title and subtitle
- Primary responsible person and role identification
- Publication date (ISO 8601 format)
- Language code (ISO 639-2)
It is recommended to submit metadata using the ONIX 3.0 standard format.
Implementation Recommendations
- Publishing organizations should establish ISBN allocation records to ensure no reuse
- Digital publications must display the ISBN in a prominent position on the copyright page
- ISBN-A registration must be completed through the DOI system
- International cooperative publishing should follow the principle of primary ISBN barcode priority