International Standard Book Number meaning

The International Standard Book Number is a unique identifier assigned to books for ease of cataloguing and searching.


International Standard Book Number definitions

Word backwards lanoitanretnI dradnatS kooB rebmuN
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "International Standard Book Number" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division In-ter-na-tion-al Stan-dard Book Num-ber
Plural The plural form of International Standard Book Number is International Standard Book Numbers.
Total letters 31
Vogais (6) i,e,a,i,o,u
Consonants (12) i,n,t,r,l,s,d,b,k,m

The International Standard Book Number, commonly known as ISBN, is a unique numeric identifier used to identify books. Each ISBN is assigned to a specific edition of a book, making it easier to track and manage bibliographic information.

Importance of ISBN

ISBNs are essential for bookstores, libraries, and publishers to efficiently manage and distribute books. They facilitate the organization of books by providing a standardized way to identify a particular title, author, or edition.

Structure of ISBN

An ISBN typically consists of 13 digits separated into five parts. The prefix usually indicates the language or geographic region, followed by the publisher code, title identifier, check digit for verification, and, in some cases, an additional element.

Obtaining an ISBN

Publishers are responsible for obtaining ISBNs for their books. They can apply for ISBNs through designated agencies in their country or region. Self-published authors may also obtain ISBNs to distinguish their works in the marketplace.

Uses of ISBN

ISBNs are used for inventory management, sales tracking, and ordering books from distributors. They also help streamline the cataloging process for libraries and improve the discoverability of books through online databases and retailers.

ISBN Variants

There are variations of the ISBN, such as the International Standard Music Number (ISMN) for musical scores and the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for periodicals. These unique identifiers cater to different types of publications and media.

In conclusion, the International Standard Book Number plays a vital role in the publishing industry by providing a standardized method of identifying books and facilitating their distribution and discovery. Publishers and authors alike benefit from the use of ISBNs to streamline processes and ensure their works are easily recognizable in the market.


International Standard Book Number Examples

  1. When publishing a new book, it is essential to obtain an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
  2. Libraries around the world use the International Standard Book Number to catalog and manage their collections.
  3. Authors can purchase their own ISBN or use one provided by the publishing company.
  4. The ISBN is a unique identifier for each version of a book, including hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.
  5. International publishers rely on the ISBN system to track book sales and distribution globally.
  6. Bookstores use the ISBN to easily identify and order specific titles for customers.
  7. Self-published authors can benefit from purchasing their own ISBN to maintain control over their work.
  8. Scholars and researchers use the ISBN to accurately cite sources in their academic papers and publications.
  9. Without an International Standard Book Number, a book may struggle to reach its intended audience through traditional channels.
  10. The ISBN system helps streamline the book supply chain and ensure accurate information is recorded for each title.


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  • Updated 24/04/2024 - 16:04:01