What Is The Difference In Isbn Prefix Numbers? (exam, versus, mandatory)

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friends:

I have been researching a specific book and it lists several different prefix numbers for the ISBN. For example on the same book, one is ISBN 10: and another is ISBN 13:? Also, the ISBN 'body' numbers are different, too. Does anyone know why the prefix numbers are different?

Thanks,

Carter Glass

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

Dear Friends:

I have been researching a specific book and it lists several different prefix numbers for the ISBN. For example on the same book, one is ISBN 10: and another is ISBN 13:? Also, the ISBN 'body' numbers are different, too. Does anyone know why the prefix numbers are different?

Thanks,

Carter Glass

Has to do with an anticipated update. I use the ISBN:10 until someone tells me not to - hope that's some help

[HOWELL_STREET]

So does that mean that the ISBN 10: versus the ISBN 13: is a more recent publication with some text changes? Or does that mean that the changes of text will appear in a future publication?

Thank you, again, for your response(s).

Carter Glass,
Wheaton, IL

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

So does that mean that the ISBN 10: versus the ISBN 13: is a more recent publication with some text changes? Or does that mean that the changes of text will appear in a future publication?

Thank you, again, for your response(s).

Carter Glass,
Wheaton, IL

No, nothing to do with the book or changes to it. Cataloging (sp?) I think, by the publishers

[pghquest]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

Dear Friends:

I have been researching a specific book and it lists several different prefix numbers for the ISBN. For example on the same book, one is ISBN 10: and another is ISBN 13:? Also, the ISBN 'body' numbers are different, too. Does anyone know why the prefix numbers are different?

Thanks,

Carter Glass

10 digit numbers are the "old" way of recording books. 13 digits, which just became mandatory for book publishers this year, is the "new" way. the 10 digit and 13 digit numbers are similar.. Most follow this pattern
13 digit number = 978 + the first 9 characters of the 10 digit.. then the last number is different, called a "check digit"..
Example: Book ISBN 1582461031, becomes 978 + 158246103 (first 9 characters of ISBN) and the last character = 8 (varies from book to book) outcome ----------------------9781582461038
See the #s are the same ^^^^^^

The 10 digit numbers are being phased out as new books are being published..

[HOWELL_STREET]

Thanks to both of you for your responses. I will print your comments and keep them safe for a future reference.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass,
Wheaton, IL

[pghquest]

Originally Posted by mm_mary73

No, nothing to do with the book or changes to it. Cataloging (sp?) I think, by the publishers

Not really the publisher, the company who issues the ISBN # is forcing it as they are running out of numbers. This would allow them to have twice the capacity in the number of books because books will begin with 978, and now 979.. (of which these books have no 10 digit ISBN #'s)