International Standard Book Number
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique, numerical[1] commercial book identifier, based upon the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code created by Gordon Foster, now Emeritus Professor of Statistics at Trinity College, Dublin [2] for the booksellers and stationers W.H. Smith and others in 1966.[3] The 10-digit International Standard Book Number (ISBN) format was developed by the International Organization for Standardization and published as an international standard, ISO 2108, in 1970. (However, the 9-digit SBN code was used in the UK until 1974.) Currently, the ISO TC 46/SC 9 is responsible for the standard. Since 1 January 2007, International Standard Book Numbers have been of 13 digits, compatible with Bookland EAN-13s.[4] A similar numeric identifier, the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) identifies periodical publications such as magazines. An ISBN is assigned to each edition and variation (except reprintings) of a book.
