ISBN
Arts & Entertainment abbreviation · Publishing and Book
| Stands for | International Standard Book Number |
|---|---|
| Categories | Arts & Entertainment |
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, a publishing and book abbreviation also used in general use.
Unique 13-digit identifier assigned to each edition and format of a book, so the hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook of the same title each get their own number. Retailers, libraries and distributors use it to order and track books.
Example: ISBN 978-0-14-303943-3 is printed above the barcode on the back cover.
Usage notes
Grew out of the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code created in the UK in 1966 and was adopted as ISO 2108 in 1970. ISBNs switched from 10 to 13 digits on January 1, 2007, adding the "Bookland" prefix 978 (and later 979) so the number matches the EAN barcode. The last digit is a check digit. In the US, ISBNs are sold by the agency Bowker.
Related abbreviations
More publishing and book abbreviations
- DOI – Digital Object Identifier
- FCBD – Free Comic Book Day
- FMC – Female main character
- HC – Hardcover
- HEA – Happily ever after
- HFN – Happy for now
- ISSN – International Standard Serial Number
- KDP – Kindle Direct Publishing
- KU – Kindle Unlimited
- LCCN – Library of Congress Control Number
- LCS – Local comic shop
- LitRPG – Literary role-playing game