The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numeric identifier used worldwide to distinguish books and other publications. Every ISBN corresponds to a specific title, edition, or format, ensuring that readers and retailers can accurately identify and source books.
In this article, we will focus on a specific ISBN: 978-0-7935-5318-1. We’ll explore what the digits represent, why ISBNs are crucial in the publishing industry, and provide a detailed breakdown of this particular ISBN.
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN is a 13-digit number that follows an internationally recognized standard. Prior to 2007, ISBNs were 10 digits long, but the modern system includes three extra digits to accommodate more titles.
The structure of an ISBN is broken into different parts:
- Prefix (978 or 979): Indicates the product group, typically for books.
- Group Identifier: Identifies the country or language group.
- Publisher Code: Points to the publisher of the book.
- Title Identifier: A unique number that identifies the book title and edition.
- Check Digit: A single digit that verifies the validity of the ISBN.
Understanding ISBN 978-0-7935-5318-1
Prefix: 978
The number 978 is the standard prefix used for books. It indicates that the item is part of the global book industry.
Group Identifier: 0
The group identifier “0” refers to books published in English-speaking countries, primarily the United States.
Publisher Code: 7935
This section of the ISBN is unique to the publisher. In this case, 7935 identifies the specific publisher of the book, which could be traced to a specific publishing house registered under this number.
Title Identifier: 5318
The title identifier points to the specific title, edition, or format of the book. Each book has a different title identifier to ensure there is no overlap.
Check Digit: 1
The last digit, “1,” is a check digit used to validate the accuracy of the ISBN. This digit is calculated through a specific mathematical formula and helps ensure that the ISBN is correctly transcribed.
Importance of ISBNs in the Publishing Industry
1. Global Recognition
ISBNs enable books to be recognized across the world. They facilitate international sales, distribution, and cataloging, allowing bookstores, libraries, and distributors to identify a specific book easily.
2. Unique Identification
Each ISBN is unique, ensuring that there is no confusion between different editions of a book or between books with similar titles. For instance, a paperback version and a hardcover edition of the same book would have different ISBNs.
3. Data Management
Libraries, bookstores, and online platforms like Amazon use ISBNs to track and manage inventory. The ISBN serves as the central identifier in a vast network of book databases.
4. Sales and Distribution
Retailers rely on ISBNs for ordering and inventory management. When a retailer scans a book’s barcode, which includes the ISBN, it brings up the book’s details, including the price, publisher, and edition.
How to Search for ISBN 978-0-7935-5318-1
To find more information about the specific title associated with ISBN 978-0-7935-5318-1, you can use ISBN lookup tools such as:
- WorldCat: A global catalog that lists books from libraries worldwide.
- Google Books: A platform where you can search for books by their ISBN and often preview them.
- ISBNdb: A database dedicated to ISBNs, providing information about books, publishers, and prices.
Conclusion
ISBN 978-0-7935-5318-1 is an essential identifier for a book published in the United States by a specific publisher. Understanding how an ISBN is structured helps in identifying, selling, and distributing books across different markets. Whether you’re a publisher, bookseller, or reader, recognizing the importance of ISBNs is crucial in navigating the world of books.
