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.
Back to top
Do I have to have an ISBN?
There is no legal requirement to have an ISBN, and it conveys no
legal or copyright protection.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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 publishers prefix, which determines
the block of numbers, which is the publishers own. You can choose
which size block you think you will need see the table above.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
Is there an expiry date on ISBNs?
No. However, there is a fee to regenerate ISBN numbers so they should
be stored safely.
Back to top
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.
Back to top