Archive of information on ISBN-13

Are You Ready for ISBN-13?

We are now beyond the January 1, 2007 transition deadline. Is your company compliant?

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) provides a standard way to identify books in global trade. On January 1, 2007 the book industry transitioned to 13-digit ISBNs, phasing out the use of 10-digit numbers.

Why did the ISBN change?

The change to 13 digits was needed in order to expand the numbering capacity of the ISBN system and alleviate numbering shortages in certain areas of the world. Also, by changing the ISBN to 13 digits, the book industry has fully aligned the numbering system for books with the global GTIN identification system that is widely used to identify most other consumer goods worldwide.

DOWNLOAD THE ISBN USERS' MANUAL

This change affects everyone who uses ISBNs throughout the world. Be sure your company is ISBN-13 compliant. Follow the links below for more information.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDFs in this collection.