About ISBN 13

Beginning in January 1, 2007, the book industry will transition to 13 digit ISBN numbers to identify all books. (Currently, products are designated with a 10 digit ISBN.) This change is taking place to address numbering shortages of 10 digit ISBNs, as well as to align the current numbering system for books with the global EAN.UCC identification system.

Q: What does this mean for me?
A: All applicable products will be given a new, 13 digit ISBN to replace the existing 10 digit ISBN. If you are searching for a product and have an older, 10 digit ISBN, please note that it will be re-coded as of January 1, 2007.

Q: Will you continue to publish products using a 10 digit ISBN?
A: All applicable products published until December 31, 2006 will have a 10 digit ISBN, as well as a new 13 digit ISBN.

Q: Can I still find products using an old ISBN on your web site?
A: Yes, we will be maintaining both the ISBN 10 information and the ISBN 13 information for at least six months after January 1, 2007.

Q: How can I find out what an older product's new ISBN is?
A: The ISBN.org web site offers a free ISBN Conversion Tool on its web site at http://www.isbn.org/converterpub.asp. It will allow you to convert an older ISBN to its new, 13 digit counterpart.

Q: How can I find more information on ISBN-13?
A: Visit the ISBN.org web site for more information, or go to the Book Industry Study Group at http://www.bisg.org/isbn-13/index.html.