| Sumario: | This article explains the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a unique thirteen-digit identifier essential for publishing and distributing books worldwide. Originating from a 1960s British inventory system, the ISBN evolved into a global standard that encodes metadata about a book’s country, publisher, title, and format, facilitating its identification and sales tracking. In the United States, ISBNs are assigned by Bowker, and authors—especially self-publishers—are advised to obtain their own ISBNs to retain publishing rights and control. The article also highlights the ISBN’s role in marketing, distribution, and inclusion in sales data, while cautioning authors about potential scams from third-party services offering ISBNs.
|
|---|