If the package consists of two or more items that will be made available separately and

can be used independently, then the entire package should have a distinct ISBN, as

must each separate component.

  An ISBN should be assigned to a software product independently of its physical form

(e.g., software that must be downloaded to the customer from a remote database).

  As well as identifying the product itself, an ISBN identifies the publisher; it should not

be used to identify a distributor or wholesaler of the product.

7. ISBN for Print on Demand Publications

A  print on demand" publication is printed and bound in response to a specific order from a

customer. Such orders are often for single copies of publications that would otherwise be

declared  out of print  since large print runs would not be economical. 

Print on demand should not be confused with short run printing, in which small quantities

of books may be manufactured and then stored for fulfilling customer orders as and when

they are received. With short run printing, stock is warehoused, even if in small quantities;

with on demand printing, however, there is no stock. 

If the on demand version of a publication is in a different product form from the previously

published non on demand version (e.g., if a hardback becomes a paperback when it shifts

to being on demand), a new ISBN is required, just as for any other changes of product

form. Minor changes to trim sizes in order to comply with the specifications of on demand

printing machines shall not require a new ISBN. 

A publication shall receive a separate ISBN when reproduced on demand by a publisher

that has bought print on demand rights for the publication from another publisher.

A copy that is produced by an organisation other than the publisher on behalf of that

publisher (i.e., no rights have changed hands), and where the on demand edition is in a

different product form, shall receive a separate ISBN.

A "customised" or  personalised  version of a print on demand book, where the customer,

not the publisher, dictates the content of the book, and which has a limited availability,

shall not be assigned an ISBN.

8. Location and Display of the ISBN on Publications

5

8.1 General

The ISBN must appear on the item itself. 

In the case of printed publications, the ISBN must appear on the: 

  Verso of the title page (copyright page)

  Foot of the title page, if there is no space on the title verso

5  Since publishers will inevitably be holding stock carrying 10 digit ISBNs for many years to come, it may be sensible to

move towards printing the 13 digit ISBN on their books as soon as possible, in conjunction with the 10 digit ISBN until 2007.

For more information about recommended dual display of 10  and 13 digit ISBNs on publications, see  Timing for the use of

13 digit ISBNs  section in Extracts from

 Guidelines for the Implementation of 13 Digit ISBNs.

20