ISBN-13

This month's announcement by the International ISBN Agency that the first 979-prefixed ISBN has been assigned to the Paris-based French National ISBN Agency has important ramifications for the U.S. book trade. "Any systems remaining in the U.S.

On Tuesday, June 6, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) reported that the first ISBNs with a 979 prefix are likely to be assigned in the second quarter of 2008. BISG made the announcement based on a statement by the International ISBN Agency, which, for the first time, included a date for the appearance of 979-prefixed ISBNs. 

This week, the American Booksellers Association unveiled the complete lineup of presenters for its Thursday "Day of Education" at BookExpo America.

By the time Bookselling This Week returns from its holiday hiatus, the book industry's conversion to 13-digit ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) will already be in effect for four days. The January 1, 2007, switch from 10-digit ISBNs to 13 digits will have an impact on everything from publishers' catalogs, price sheets, and invoices to booksellers' ability to place and receive orders.

On January 1, 2007, all retailers' Point-of-Sale (POS) systems will need to accommodate 13-digit International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN), the unique identifiers assigned to every published book and book-like product. This change will affect everything from publishers' catalogs, price sheets, and invoices to booksellers' ability to place and receive orders.

This week, the American Booksellers Association sent a letter and checklist regarding the January 1, 2007, change to a 13-digit ISBN to all of its main store members. The mailing was sent via FedEx for next day delivery.

On January 1, 2007, every retailer's Point-of-Sale (POS) system will need to accommodate 13-digit International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN), the unique identifiers assigned to every published book and book-like product.

On January 1, 2007, the length of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) will officially change from 10 to 13 digits. This change will affect everyone in the book business. To help ensure that bookstores are prepared for the transition to the new ISBN, the American Booksellers Association recommends that booksellers take the following steps:

On Friday, September 8, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) held its Annual Meeting of Members at the McGraw-Hill Auditorium in New York City. At the meeting, six Board members and committee Chairs presented both highlights from the past 12 months and goals for the coming year. Among the topics discussed, the most notable was the book industry's transition to ISBN-13.

This week, BookSense.com Director Len Vlahos announced that the first phase of work to make BookSense.com websites ISBN-13 compatible has been completed. "Booksellers and consumers can now search for and find books with both 10- and 13-digit ISBNs," Vlahos said.

The book industry's conversion to a 13-digit ISBN standard, which is effective January 1, 2007 -- just about five months from now -- has ramifications for everyone in the business, from booksellers and librarians to publishers, wholesalers, and POS vendors.

If the word "triskaidekaphobia" refers to one who has an abnormal fear of the number 13, then "ISBN-triskaidekaphobia" is an apt description for some booksellers' feelings regarding the upcoming changeover from ISBN-10 to ISBN-13. It's now time for those booksellers to come to terms with their anxieties, however, because the deadline to be ISBN-13 compliant is only seven months away.

On January 1, 2007, the length of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) will officially change from 10 to 13 digits; however, preparations for the switch, which affects the entire book industry, are underway.