International. The prefixes that have already been made available by EAN International

are 978 and 979, but there may be an additional allocation made in the future to continue

to guarantee the capacity of the system. ISBNs will still retain a check digit

but the

calculation method is changing; for a full explanation of the algorithm refer to section 4.5.

Why this solution and not others?

The 13 digit solution was proposed since books can already carry both the ISBN and the

EAN 13 bar code (i.e., the 10 digit ISBN prefixed by 978 and with a recalculated final

check digit). This solution also enables the ISBN system to make use of the "979" EAN

prefix, which was reserved years ago for the future use of the book trade within the EAN

system. 

Why has the ISBN not been changed to a  dumb  number like ISSN? 

Such a system would be unmanageable without the support of a strong central database

to administer the assignment of ISBN and prevent duplication. Developing that central

database, even in the form of a distributed network, would make that proposal one of the

most costly and complex solutions for users of the ISBN system. 

What are the impacts of changing to the 13 digit ISBN?

Everyone who records, stores, or exchanges ISBN data in an automated system is going

to have to ensure that those systems can accommodate the 13 digit ISBN format.

Publishers, distributors, retailers, and libraries are the main user groups affected by these

changes. It will affect software applications such as automated ordering systems, inventory

control systems, point of sale systems, and library databases. 

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