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ISBN ISSN

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) identifies an edition of a monographic work. This is the main source of I.D. for any book. The ISBN is defined by the standard NISO/ANSI/ISO 2108:1992 [ISO1]

Basically, an ISBN is a ten-digit number (actually, the last digit can be the letter "X" as well, as described below) which is divided into four variable length parts usually separated by hyphens when printed. The parts are as follows (in this order):

A group identifier which specifies a group of publishers, based on national, geographic or some other criteria,

The publisher identifier,

The title identifier,

And a modulus 11 check digit, using X instead of 10.

Blocks of ISBNs are assigned to publishers in groups of 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, 100,000 or 1,000,000. These carve up the possible ISBNs in an interesting fashion.

Self Publishiers like Richard Publishing, will asign your book a ISBN#. The advantage of using a publishing company is that you don't have to buy 10 ISBN# for $350.00

ISSN

Serial publications such as newspapers and magazines are eligible for ISSNs. Spoken word tapes (audio books) and CD products carrying text and graphics and primarily designed to instruct or educate (e.g. CD-Rom encyclopaedias) are also eligible. Music products on tape or CD are not eligible. If in doubt please contact the Standard Book Numbering Agency. ISSN# are great for e-books and are free. Here is a free application for an ISSN. ISSN Form

UPC barcode

The Universal Product Code (UPC) system, widely used in North America, is technically compatible with the EAN system. Most scanners are able to read both barcodes. The UPC codes are not, however, able to include the entire ISBN and the price-point version of the code, used on mass market paperbacks identifies the book simply by publisher and price category. Click here to buy a Bar Code