The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for books and other publications. ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 is a specific example of this system, which has an impact on the publishing industry worldwide. This numerical code serves to identify books and simplify inventory management for publishers, booksellers, and libraries, making it an essential tool in the book trade.
This article aims to explore the intricacies of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5. It will delve into the history and evolution of the ISBN system, break down the anatomy of this particular code, and discuss tools and techniques to decode ISBNs. By the end, readers will have a better understanding of how to interpret and use ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 and similar codes in various contexts.
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The History and Evolution of ISBN
Origin of ISBN System
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system has its roots in the 1960s. In 1965, British bookseller WHSmith announced plans to implement a standard numbering system for its books . This initiative led to the development of the Standard Book Number (SBN), a nine-digit code devised by Gordon Foster, emeritus professor of statistics at Trinity College Dublin .
The concept quickly gained international attention. In 1967, David Whitaker in the United Kingdom and Emery Koltay in the United States further developed the ISBN identification format . The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognized the potential of this system and sought to adapt it for global use. In 1970, after two years of discussions and refinements, the ISO published the 10-digit ISBN format as international standard ISO 2108 .
Transition from ISBN-10 to ISBN-13
For nearly four decades, the 10-digit ISBN served the publishing industry well. However, as the number of published books grew exponentially, the available 10-digit numbers began to dwindle in some parts of the world . To address this shortage and accommodate future growth, a significant change was implemented.
On January 1, 2007, the ISBN system transitioned to a 13-digit format . This new format is compatible with “Bookland” European Article Numbers, which also use 13 digits . The transition involved adding a 978 prefix to existing ISBNs and recalculating the check digit .
This change had a substantial impact on the publishing industry. Publishers, retailers, and warehouses had to update their inventory tracking systems to accommodate the new format . The transition was likened to the Y2K preparations, requiring significant software updates across the industry .
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Role of International ISBN Agency
The International ISBN Agency plays a crucial role in overseeing the global ISBN system. It delegates the responsibility of ISBN administration within registration groups to local ISBN registration agencies . These agencies may operate on a national, regional, or linguistic basis, depending on the group allocation .
The agency provides publishers with the necessary forms and guidance to obtain ISBNs . Interestingly, some registration agencies charge a fee for ISBN assignment . The United States has been the largest user of ISBNs, with 3.9 million registered in 2020 alone, and a lifetime total exceeding 39 million .
Today, the ISBN system continues to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of publishing. It now encompasses various media formats, including digital publications like EPUB and PDF . As the publishing world grows and diversifies, the ISBN system remains an essential tool for identifying and managing books and other publications worldwide.
Anatomy of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier assigned to each book, serving as a crucial tool in the publishing industry . The ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 follows a specific structure, with each element providing valuable information about the publication.
Group Element Analysis
The first element of the ISBN represents the group or country identifier. In the case of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, the “1” indicates that this book belongs to the English-speaking countries group, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, and other English-language territories.
Publisher Element Interpretation
Following the group element, the publisher element identifies the specific publisher of the book. For ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, the “59959” segment represents the unique code assigned to the publisher. This code allows for quick identification of the book’s origin within the publishing industry.
Title Element Breakdown
The title element, which follows the publisher code, is a unique identifier for the specific book title within the publisher’s catalog. In ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, the “283” portion serves this purpose, distinguishing this particular book from others published by the same company.
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Check Digit Calculation
The final digit in an ISBN-10 is the check digit, which is crucial for error detection . For ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, the check digit is “5”. This digit is calculated using a specific formula:
- Multiply each of the first 9 digits by a weight, starting from 10 and decreasing to 2.
- Sum these products.
- Divide the sum by 11 and find the remainder.
- Subtract the remainder from 11.
- If the result is 10, use “X” as the check digit; otherwise, use the resulting number .
For example, using a similar ISBN:
| Digit | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | – |
| Product | 0 | 27 | 0 | 42 | 24 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 10 | – |
Sum of products: 130
130 / 11 = 11 remainder 9
11 – 9 = 2 (check digit)
Thus, the valid ISBN would be 0306406152 .
This systematic structure of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 enables efficient identification and management of books within the global publishing ecosystem.
Tools and Techniques for ISBN Decoding
Manual Decoding Methods
Decoding an ISBN manually involves understanding its structure and the significance of each element. For ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, the process begins with recognizing that the first digit represents the group or country identifier . The subsequent digits denote the publisher, title, and check digit. To validate the ISBN, one can calculate the check digit using a specific formula:
- Multiply each of the first 9 digits by a weight, starting from 10 and decreasing to 2.
- Sum these products.
- Divide the sum by 11 and find the remainder.
- Subtract the remainder from 11.
- If the result is 10, use “X” as the check digit; otherwise, use the resulting number .
Online ISBN Decoders
For those seeking a more convenient approach, numerous online tools exist to decode ISBNs. These decoders often provide additional information about the book, such as its title, author, and publisher. Some popular online resources include:
- Open Library: Offers a free API to access book information using ISBNs .
- WorldCat: Provides a vast database of library catalogs, though access may be restricted .
- Google Books: Allows users to fetch book information via the “volumes” route .
ISBN Decoding APIs for Developers
Developers working on book-related applications can leverage various APIs to decode ISBNs programmatically. Some notable options include:
- Open Library Books API: Offers multiple endpoints for accessing book data, including search, works, editions, and ISBN-specific information .
- ISBNDB: A paid API providing access to over 26.8 million book entries, including cover images and pricing information .
- Amazon Product Advertising API: Requires registration as an affiliate partner but offers extensive book data .
These tools and techniques enable efficient decoding of ISBNs like ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, facilitating book identification and management across various platforms and applications.
Conclusion
The exploration of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 sheds light on the intricate system that has a significant impact on the publishing industry. From its humble beginnings to its current global reach, the ISBN system has proven to be an essential tool for book identification and management. The breakdown of ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5 showcases how each element of the code carries valuable information about the book’s origin and identity.
As the publishing world continues to evolve, so does the ISBN system, adapting to new formats and technologies. The various tools and techniques available for decoding ISBNs, including ISBN-10: 1-59959-283-5, make it easier for publishers, booksellers, and readers to access and manage book information. This ongoing development ensures that the ISBN system remains a cornerstone of the book trade, facilitating efficient cataloging and distribution of publications worldwide.
FAQs
Q: How do you interpret an ISBN number?
A: To decode an ISBN, start by locating it, usually found on the back cover near the barcode. The first three digits represent the prefix element. Following this, the next digit indicates the registration group, which helps identify the book’s geographical origin or language group.
Q: What information is conveyed by the digits following the ISBN prefix?
A: The sequence following the ISBN prefix includes the publisher identifier, which pinpoints a specific publisher within a group. It also includes the title identifier, which specifies a particular title or edition of a book. The last digit, known as the check digit, is used to validate the ISBN.
Q: Can you explain the method used to calculate the check digit in an ISBN-10?
A: The check digit for an ISBN-10 is calculated by multiplying each of the first nine digits by a descending sequence of numbers starting from 10 down to 2. The results are then summed up. This sum is divided by 11, and the remainder (not the quotient) is subtracted from 11 to find the check digit.
Q: Is there a comprehensive database for ISBNs?
A: Yes, ISBNdb.com is an extensive online database that provides detailed information about books including title, author, ISBN, publisher, publication date, binding, number of pages, and list price. It features data on over 33 million books and more than 11 million authors, with new books being added regularly.
