I am revising a book. Does it require a new ISBN? 

A significant change of text requires a new ISBN. If revisions have been made it should

state on the verso of the title page that the book is a revised edition and the new ISBN

should be printed there.

Does a reprint without change of text or binding require a new ISBN? 

No. The original number must be retained, provided the publisher and imprint remain the

same.

I would like to issue a new ISBN for marketing reasons. Is this permissible? 

No, not if there is no change of text, format, or binding that would justify a new ISBN.

I am reprinting a book and changing the price at which it is available. Is a new ISBN

required? 

No. A reprint, whether or not the price has been changed, does not require a new ISBN. 

I am publishing a book with another publisher. Whose ISBN should appear on the book? 

In the case of a joint publication, both publishers are entitled to have an ISBN on the book.

It should be made clear which number identifies which publisher. However, if only one

publisher is to hold stock and distribute the publication, then it is recommended that the

ISBN of the publisher who is responsible for distribution should appear in bar coded form

on the back cover of the book.

Is it possible to reassign ISBNs when the books to which they were allocated are 

out of print? 

No. An ISBN identifies a given title, and its edition and binding, for all time. Even if

out of print, it will still exist in some shops and will certainly still exist in libraries.

How are ISBNs allocated to multi format/multi volume works?

An ISBN must be allocated to the whole set of volumes of a multi volume work; also, if the

individual volumes of the set are sold separately, each volume must have its own ISBN.

Even when each volume is not sold separately, the allocation of an ISBN to each volume

is advisable. It facilitates the handling of returns (damaged volumes), and eliminates the

possibility of confusion over specific publications. Each volume should list all ISBNs.

Similar rules apply to kits (e.g., a CD ROM with an accompanying booklet). If any part is

available separately, a separate ISBN must be allocated to each part, and to the kit as a

whole.

I am publishing a series of publications. Do I need an ISBN or an ISSN? 

The series should receive an ISSN while the individual publications should receive ISBNs.

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