ISBN-13 and Book Labelling

ISBNs are displayed on the outside back cover of most books (or on the inside front cover of most mass market paperback books). Currently, the 10-digit ISBN is displayed above the Bookland EAN barcode, as follows:

sample of old barcode

During the transition to ISBN-13, some publishers will display both 10- and 13-digit ISBNs above the bar code, giving stakeholders the option of using either.

As of January 2007, the EAN-13 number becomes the new ISBN (ISBN-13) for each book, and the new label will be displayed as follows:

sample of new barcode

 

 

 
 
 
 

Other Helpful Links and Resources
 
The International ISBN Agency
ISBN Users' Manual (ISBN-13)
Guidelines for the Implementation of 13 Digit ISBNs (PDF)
ISBN-13 Converter
The Canadian ISBN Agency
Library and Archives Canada's ISBN-13 page
BookNet Canada's ISBN-13 page
Book Industry Study Group's ISBN-13 page