2. Advantages of the ISBN

  The ISBN is a unique international identifier for monographic publications; assigning a

number replaces the handling of long bibliographic descriptive records. Time and staff

are saved, and copying mistakes are avoided.

  The ISBN allows compilation and updating of book trade directories and bibliographic

databases, such as catalogues of books in print. Information on available books can

be found easily. 

  Ordering and distribution of books is mainly executed by ISBN; this is a fast and

efficient method. 

  The ISBN is machine readable in the form of a 13 digit EAN.UCC bar code. This is fast

and avoids mistakes. 

  The ISBN is needed for the running of electronic point of sale systems in bookshops.

  Rights management is mainly done on the basis of the ISBN.

  The accumulation of sales data is done by the ISBN. This enables the varying

successes of different product forms and editions of publications to be monitored, as

well as enabling comparisons between different subject areas and even different

publishing houses.

  The national lending right in some countries is based on the ISBN. Such schemes

enable authors and illustrators to receive payments proportionate to the number of

times that their books are lent out by public libraries. 

3. The Function and Scope of the ISBN

Recognised in more than 160 countries throughout the world, the International Standard

Book Number is a short and clear identifier that is potentially machine readable. The ISBN

denotes a particular monographic publication uniquely and should, therefore, be

associated with it from early production stages. An essential instrument in production,

distribution, sales analysis, and bibliographic data storage systems in the book trade, ISBN

is also of vital importance to library information management.

However, where a product is appropriate to another specific numbering system (such as

continuing resources and ongoing integrating resources, which qualify for the ISSN, and

printed music, which qualifies for the ISMN), then that system must be used. If appropriate,

such identifiers should be used in conjunction with the ISBN (see also section 13.1).

Further information on other types of identifier is provided in section 13.

ISBNs are assigned to monographic publications and certain types of related products that

are available to the public, whether those publications and related products are available

on a gratis basis or to purchase. In addition, individual sections (such as chapters) of

monographic publications or issues or articles of continuing resources that are made

available separately may also use the ISBN as an identifier. With regard to the various

media available, it is of no importance in what physical form the content is documented

and distributed; however, each product form should be identified separately. 

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