What is an ISBN number?

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An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a machine-readable identification number that uniquely marks a book. These numbers have been in use now for 30 years in 159 countries and territories. An ISBN number consists of ten digits and is broken into four parts, Group, Publisher, Title Identifiers, and Check digit.

Why use an ISBN number?

An ISBN number makes it possible to immediately identify a book. The ISBN number also allows the creation of a standard bar-code, known as an EAN Bookland bar-code, that is used by stores when the book is purchased. Below are a few bar-codes created from ISBN numbers:

How do I get an ISBN number?

To receive an ISBN number you need to complete an ISBN application and pay the processing fee.

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