What is an ISBN?

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a national and international standard identification number for uniquely identifying books, i.e., publications that are not intended to continue indefinitely (ALA Resource Guide).

An ISBN is a unique 13-digital number (pre 2007, ISBNs were 10 digits). It is intended for monograph-like publications (i.e. books) and not music, performances, images, magazines, academic journals, or other periodicals. An ISBN uniquely identifies your book, and facilitates the sale of your book to bookstores (physical and digital) and libraries.

The ISBN is an ISO standard. Find out more at the International ISBN Agency.

How to get an ISBN?

The University LIbraries have an account with Bowker, who is the official source for ISBNs in the United States. Generally, individuals do not assign ISBNs to their own work. . If you are publishing an eligible book, including digital publications, with the Libraries, we can assign an ISBN. If you are working with a publisher, please talk to them about an ISBN.

(sample ISBN image with bar code)