What are ISBN and ISSN?

International Publishing Standards

ISBN and ISSN are international standard identifiers that provide unique identification for books and periodicals worldwide. Essential for publishers, authors, and libraries.

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to books and book-like products. It helps publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers identify and order specific titles.

Unique Identification

Each book gets a unique 13-digit identifier

Global Recognition

Recognized worldwide by libraries, bookstores, and distributors

Distribution Support

Essential for book distribution and sales tracking

ISBN Example

978-962-1234-56-7

978: Book identifier

962: Hong Kong group

1234: Publisher code

56: Title number

7: Check digit

ISSN Example

2345-6789

2345: First four digits

6789: Last four digits with check digit

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

ISSN is an 8-digit identifier for periodical publications such as magazines, journals, and newspapers. It identifies the ongoing series, not individual issues.

Serial Publications

Identifies magazines, journals, and periodicals

8-Digit Format

Shorter format specifically designed for periodicals

Academic Recognition

Required for academic and research publications

Key Differences

Understanding when to use ISBN versus ISSN for your publications

Aspect	ISBN	ISSN
Purpose	Books and monographs	Periodicals and serials
Format	13 digits (978-X-XXXX-XXXX-X)	8 digits (XXXX-XXXX)
Scope	Individual editions	Entire publication series
Validity	Permanent for each edition	Continues while published