ISBN vs. ISSN: What’s the Difference & When Do You Need Both?

If you’re in the publishing industry, whether as an author, publisher, librarian, or researcher, you’ve likely come across ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). These identifiers help categorize and track published materials, but they serve different purposes.

Understanding the distinctions between ISBN and ISSN is crucial when publishing books, magazines, academic journals, or special editions. This article explores their key differences and when you may need one or both.

Key Differences Between ISBN and ISSN

ISBN and ISSN are globally recognized numerical identifiers, but they apply to different publications. Let’s break down their core differences:

1. ISBN Identifies Books, ISSN Identifies Serials

• ISBN is assigned to printed or digital books, and each edition needs a separate ISBN.
• ISSN is assigned to serial publications like magazines, academic journals, and newspapers.

For example:

• A novel published in hardcover, paperback, and eBook format needs three separate ISBNs (one for each format).
• A scientific journal like Nature has one ISSN that applies to all its issues, regardless of whether they are in print or digital format.

2. ISBNs Are Format-Specific, ISSNs Are Not

• Publishing a book in multiple formats (hardcover, paperback, eBook) requires a separate ISBN.
• A magazine or journal retains the same ISSN for all its issues unless it changes its title.

For example:

• The New York Times has a single ISSN for its print edition and another ISSN for its digital version.
• Atomic Habits has a different ISBN for its hardcover, paperback, and audiobook editions.

3. ISSNs Can Apply to Both Print and Online Versions, but They May Differ

• If a magazine or journal exists in print and digital formats, it typically receives different ISSNs.
• This helps librarians and databases track versions separately.

For example:

• The Journal of Business Research has one ISSN for its print edition and another for its online version.

4. ISBNs Are Used for Sales and Distribution, ISSNs for Indexing and Cataloging

• ISBNs help bookstores, publishers, and retailers manage inventory and sales.
• Libraries, researchers, and academic institutions mainly use ISSNs to catalog serial publications.

For example:

• When you buy a book on Amazon, it is tracked using its ISBN.
• When you search for a journal article in a research database like PubMed or JSTOR, it is categorized under its ISSN.

When Do You Need an ISBN?

You need an ISBN if:

• You are publishing a book (fiction, non-fiction, textbook, self-published book).
• You are releasing multiple editions of the same book (hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook).
• You are publishing a conference proceeding or a standalone research report.
• You want your book to be available in bookstores, libraries, or online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble).

Examples of Publications That Require ISBNs:

• Novels
• Non-fiction books
• Self-published books
• Audiobooks
• Poetry collections
• Educational textbooks
• Reference books
• Research papers published as standalone books
• Cookbooks
• Art books

When Do You Need an ISSN?

You need an ISSN if:

• You are publishing a magazine, newspaper, journal, or any serial publication.
• Your publication releases new issues periodically (monthly, quarterly, annually).
• You produce a digital publication with ongoing issues, such as an online magazine or journal.
• Your publication is indexed in a library or research database (Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed).

Examples of Publications That Require ISSNs:

• Magazines (e.g., Time, National Geographic)
• Scientific and academic journals
• Trade journals
• Newsletters
• Newspapers
• Online blogs with serialized content

Where to Obtain an ISSN?

You can apply for an ISSN through the ISSN International Centre or the national ISSN agency in your country.

When Do You Need Both an ISBN and an ISSN?

Some publications require both an ISBN and ISSN, depending on their nature.

1. Book Series or Multi-Volume Works

A book series (e.g., Harry Potter) may have:

• An ISSN for the entire series
• A unique ISBN for each book

2. Conference Proceedings and Academic Reports

Academic institutions often publish conference proceedings with:

• An ISSN for the series of conference publications
• An ISBN for each volume or standalone report

3. Special Editions of Magazines or Journals

If a magazine publishes a one-time special edition that acts like a book, it may require:

• An ISSN for the main magazine series
• An ISBN for the special edition

4. Annual Publications or Yearbooks

Annual reports, statistical digests, or yearbooks may require both:

• An ISSN if they are published annually as a serial
• An ISBN if each volume is treated as an independent book

Conclusion

ISBN and ISSN serve distinct roles in the publishing industry:

• ISBN is for books and other standalone publications, with a unique identifier for each format and edition.
• ISSN is for serial publications like magazines, journals, and newspapers, maintaining the same identifier for all issues.

In some cases, such as book series, academic proceedings, or special editions of journals, both ISBN and ISSN may be necessary. Choosing the correct identifier ensures proper classification, distribution, and accessibility of your publication.

If you’re unsure whether your publication needs an ISBN, an ISSN, or both, consider its frequency of publication and whether it is a standalone work or part of a series. This will help ensure that your job is correctly cataloged and accessible to readers, libraries, and retailers worldwide.