ISBN-13: Are You Ready?

The Universal Product Code changed to a 13-digit number Jan. 1, 2005. However, many U.S. publishers and technology providers were not ready to convert to the new coding, so the ISBN transition was extended to Jan. 1, 2007. By that time, all ISBNs should have a 978 or 979 prefix, called a “Bookland” prefix that identifies subsequent 10-digit numbers as ISBNs. The goal is to have one code on books to avoid confusion, reduce errors, and create a standard all retailers and publishers can use..

Some publishers have begun using the “ISBN-13,” which can be seen in catalogs and on books with the 978 prefix. However, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has recommended book-related products carry all appropriate coding as the standard phases in. That way any market channel or POS system would be able to use product-code identifiers. View a directory of ISBN-13-ready publishers and POS providers.

BISG guidelines say the ISBN-13 may appear together with the ISBN-10 on the verso of the title page, on the back cover, in catalogs, in EDI, etc. However, the ISBN-10 must continue to be the primary number until 2007.

Publishers can phase in the ISBN-13 by Jan. 1, 2008, and depending on market circumstances may extend use of the ISBN-10 and dual coding on books. However, the point of the transition to a single code is to avoid scanning errors and create simplified, efficient supply chain systems for e-commerce, data exchange, and data reporting.

The ISBN-13 is the first and only North American EAN -- or European Article Number. The unique numbers are issued by the U.S. ISBN Agency, part of R.R. Bowker. In North America, the Universal Product Code will continue to be issued for other products through the GS1 administrative agency.