ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) are both codes used to identify and distinguish between different publications, but they are used for different types of materials.
ISBNs are used to identify books, including print books, e-books, and other book-like products, such as audiobooks. Each ISBN is a unique 13-digit code that identifies a specific book title, edition, and format. This allows booksellers, libraries, and other organizations to keep track of their inventory and to order and distribute books more efficiently.
ISSNs, on the other hand, are used to identify serial publications, such as newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters. Each ISSN is a unique 8-digit code that identifies a specific publication title and format. This allows librarians and other information professionals to track the publication’s various editions, changes in title or format, and other bibliographic information.
Some key differences between ISBN and ISSN are
| ISBN | ISSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Used for books and book-like products | Used for serial publications |
| Format | 13-digit code | 8-digit code |
| Purpose | Identifies a specific book title, edition, and format | Identifies a specific publication title and format |
| Examples | Print books, e-books, audiobooks, etc. | Newspapers, magazines, journals, newsletters, etc. |
| Use Case | Allows booksellers, libraries, and other organizations to keep track of their inventory and to order and distribute books more efficiently | Allows librarians and other information professionals to track the publication’s various editions, changes in title or format, and other bibliographic information |
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit code used to identify and distinguish between different types of books, including print books, e-books, and other book-like products, while ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique 8-digit code used to identify and distinguish between different types of serial publications, such as newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters. While both codes serve a similar purpose of identifying publications, they are used for different types of materials and formats.