ISBN vs. ISSN: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 29, 2024
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for books, while ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) identifies periodical publications like journals and magazines.
Key Differences
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique numeric identifier used primarily for books published worldwide. It helps in identifying a specific book, its edition, and its publisher, thereby simplifying the process of book distribution and purchase. On the other hand, an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique eight-digit code used to identify a periodical publication such as magazines, journals, and newspapers. Unlike ISBN, ISSN is not specific to a particular edition but to the entire series of the publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
ISBNs are critical for the book publishing industry as they ensure that each version of a book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book) can be distinctly identified. This system helps in efficient management of book inventories for publishers, libraries, and booksellers. ISSN, conversely, is used to uniquely identify a serial publication. This is particularly useful in libraries and databases where the identification of a journal or a magazine, regardless of its issue, is necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
The structure of an ISBN includes information about the book’s country or language of publication, the publisher, and the specific title. ISBNs are usually 13 digits long (formerly 10 digits before 2007). In contrast, the ISSN is an eight-digit number with no inherent meaning about the publication’s origin or content type. It serves as a straightforward, unique identifier for serials.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Applying for an ISBN is a process individual authors or publishers must undertake to identify their book uniquely. This is essential for the book's distribution and sale in the global market. On the other hand, obtaining an ISSN is a process usually undertaken by the publisher of a serial publication, to ensure that the periodical is recognized and can be tracked in various libraries and databases worldwide.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
In summary, while both ISBN and ISSN are international standards used for identification, they serve different types of publications. ISBN is exclusive to books and their specific editions, aiding in their identification and sale, while ISSN is used for serial publications like journals, assisting in their cataloging and retrieval in libraries and databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Full Form
International Standard Book Number
International Standard Serial Number
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Purpose
Identifies individual books and editions
Identifies periodical publications
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Information Conveyed
Country/language, publisher, title
Unique code for the publication series
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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ISBN and ISSN Definitions
ISBN
A 13-digit (formerly 10) unique book identifier.
Every version of the book has a different ISBN.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISSN
An 8-digit code for serial publications.
Each journal has its unique ISSN for library databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISBN
A system for classifying books globally.
ISBNs facilitate the international ordering of books.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISSN
Standard for serial publication tracking.
The ISSN ensures seamless access to serial publications in research.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISBN
A numeric identifier for books.
The ISBN ensures each edition of the book is uniquely identified.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
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ISSN
Used for cataloging journals and magazines.
The ISSN is crucial for managing the library's periodicals section.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISBN
A code representing a book's country, publisher, and title.
The ISBN on the back cover helps categorize the book in the library system.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISSN
Helps in the identification of serials in databases.
Researchers use the ISSN to locate specific journals.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISBN
Essential for book distribution and sale.
Online bookstores require an ISBN to list the book.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
ISSN
An identifier for periodical publications.
The ISSN helps in cataloging different issues of the magazine.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can the same ISBN be used for different books?
No, each ISBN is unique to a specific book and edition.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is an ISBN used for?
It's used to uniquely identify books and their specific editions.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is an ISBN mandatory for publishing a book?
It's not legally mandatory but essential for distribution and sales.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Does each issue of a magazine get a different ISSN?
No, the same ISSN is used for all issues of the same magazine series.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How many digits are in an ISBN?
ISBNs are 13 digits long (formerly 10 digits).
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is ISSN important for all magazines?
It's important for cataloging and library database purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are ISBNs the same in different countries?
No, they include country-specific elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What does an ISSN identify?
It identifies periodical publications like journals and magazines.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How is ISSN assigned?
Through the ISSN International Centre or its network.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can a publication have both ISBN and ISSN?
Yes, if it's a book series also considered a periodical.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Does every version of a book need a new ISBN?
Yes, each edition or format of a book needs a separate ISBN.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can ISBN be transferred to another book?
No, ISBNs are unique to each book and cannot be transferred.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can ISSN be used for online publications?
Yes, online periodicals can also have an ISSN.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Do academic journals need an ISSN?
Yes, for proper cataloging and identification.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is there a cost to get an ISSN?
This varies by country; some countries provide it for free.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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