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ISBN Section

What is an ISBN?
Do I have to have an ISBN?
I am not a publisher, can I still obtain an ISBN?
Who and what is eligible for an ISBN?
How long does it take to get an ISBN?
How much does it cost to get an ISBN?
What is a ‘block’ of numbers?
How are ISBNs allocated to multi-format/multi-volume works?
Can I reuse an ISBN from an old publication?
Do I need more than one ISBN if I am producing more than one version of a publication?
How are ISBNs allocated to pre-existing publications?
How will I receive my ISBN/s?
Where and how is the ISBN printed?
My ISBN ends in an 'X' – is that an error?
Is there an expiry date on ISBNs?
How are ISBNs used in a barcode and how do I obtain a barcode?

 

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 10-digit product number, used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes. It enables them to identify a particular publisher, and a specific edition of a specific title in a specific format.

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Do I have to have an ISBN?

There is no legal requirement to have an ISBN, and it conveys no legal or copyright protection.

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I am not a publisher, can I still obtain an ISBN?

Yes. For our purposes, a publisher is the group, organisation, company or individual who is responsible for originating the production of a publication. Normally, it is also the person or body who bears the cost/financial risk in making a product available. It is not normally the printer.

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Who and what is eligible for an ISBN?

The ISBN Agency allocates ISBNs at the direct request of publishers (including self-publishers). An ISBN should be allocated to printed books and pamphlets; microfiche publications; book readings on cassette and educational videos; multimedia kits containing printed material; educational computer software; and online publications. In general, a publication must be ‘book-like’ to receive an ISBN. Websites do not qualify. A full listing of eligible publications is contained in the ISBN Guide for Self-Allocators.

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Who and what is ineligible for an ISBN?

An ISBN should not be allocated to ephemeral material such as diaries; calendars; theatre and concert programs; advertising material or prospectuses; sheet music which is unbound and without a title page; or art prints and art folders without a title page or text. Serial publications such as newspapers, magazines and annual reports receive an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number).
Visit the ISSN Agency at the National Library for more information.

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How long does it take to get an ISBN?

Allow a minimum of 5 business days for processing of the ISBN from the time the agency receives the application. Fast-track processing is also available; your ISBN will be processed within 24 hours of its receipt by the Agency, for an additional charge. More information is available on the application form.

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How much does it cost to get an ISBN?

New publishers will need to pay the Registration Fee of $46.00. This is a once-off payment.

In addition, all publishers need to be allocated a block before ISBNs can be issued. This is a range of numbers that will identify the publisher. To do this, publishers need to estimate how many publications will be required in the future. There is no expiry date on the numbers. Blocks will be kept at the ISBN Agency and numbers will be issued upon request.

Number of ISBNs in block:

 

10

100

1000

Price including GST:

 

$73.00

$415.00

$2,677.50

A single ISBN costs $34.50.

Additional fast track service (24-hour turnaround) is available for $60.00 per ISBN request.

All prices are GST inclusive.

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What is a ‘block’ of numbers?

Part of the function of an ISBN is to uniquely locate a publisher, as well as a publication. The group of numbers at the beginning of an ISBN is the specific publisher’s prefix, which determines the block of numbers, which is the publisher’s own. You can choose which size block you think you will need — see the table above.

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How are ISBNs allocated to multi-format/multi-volume works?

An ISBN must be allocated to whole set of volumes of a multi-volume work; also, if the individual volumes of the set are sold separately, each volume must have its own ISBN. Even when each volume is not sold separately, the allocation of an ISBN to each volume is advisable. It facilitates the handling of returns (damaged volumes), and eliminates the possibility of confusion over specific publications. Each volume should list all ISBNs, e.g.:

ISBN 1 86452 034 5 (vol 1)

ISBN 1 86452 035 3 (vol 2)

ISBN 1 86452 033 7 (set)

Similar rules apply to kits (e.g. a CD-ROM with accompanying booklet). If any part is available separately, a separate ISBN must be allocated to each part, and to the kit as a whole.

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Can I reuse an ISBN from an old publication?

No. Once an ISBN has been allocated to a finished publication, it can never be reallocated to a new publication or different versions/editions.

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How are ISBNs allocated to pre-existing publications?

Reprints of a publication must use the same ISBN (a variation in price will not necessitate a new number). For our purposes, a reprint has less than 5% change, or a new title. Reprints do nor require different ISBNs, while new editions do.

In general, new ISBNs should be allocated when there will be:

  • A new title
  • A new publisher
  • A new format e.g. hardback to paperback, or A4 to A5 size
  • More than 5% change in content

New ISBNs should NOT be allocated when there will be:

  • A new cover design
  • A new price
  • A new marketing strategy

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Do I need more than one ISBN if I am producing more than one version of a publication?

Yes. Paperback, hardback, CD-ROM, video, audio book, on-line, etc. versions of a title will each need separate ISBNs.

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How will I receive my ISBN(s)?

Single ISBN notifications are usually only faxed as soon as they are processed, or emailed or posted if you do not have a fax machine.

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Where and how is the ISBN printed?

An ISBN should be printed on the reverse of the title page of a book, along with copyright and publisher information. It must be printed exactly as given (with the letters ‘ISBN’ preceding it) somewhere in the publication for it to be valid (just as, for example, ‘ISBN 0 646 40028 2’). Many publishers also print it on the bottom-right of the back cover for ease of reference. Use either spaces or hyphens to separate the different parts of the ISBN (e.g. 0-646-40028-2 or 0 646 40028 2).

If a book has a dust jacket, the ISBN should also appear on the back of this.
For tapes, CDs and videos: the ISBN should appear on the product itself, and on any inlay card or packaging.
For maps: the ISBN should be visible when the map is folded, and near the publisher's statement if this is elsewhere.

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My ISBN ends in an 'X' – is that an error?

No. the last digit of any ISBN is known as the check digit (see diagram below). The mathematical formula used to calculate the validity of ISBNs produces numbers ranging from 2 to 10 as check digits. All check digits which would be 10 are replaced by an X, and so, in some ISBNs, the last number will be X. This does not affect the validity of the ISBN.

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Is there an expiry date on ISBNs?

No. However, there is a fee to regenerate ISBN numbers so they should be stored safely.

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How are ISBNs used in a barcode and how do I obtain a barcode?

The ISBN can be translated into a worldwide compatible barcode format. Barcode scanning is used by major bookstore chains and libraries for book publications and book-related items. The ISBN Agency can now supply barcodes. For further information email Barcodes
Note: although the ISBN will be incorporated into the barcode, the check digit will change.


 

 

Diagram of ISBN

 

 

 

 

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