The International ISBN Agency | International ISBN Agency Overview & Contact Data

The International ISBN Agency is the global registration authority for the International Standard Book Number, the unique identifier assigned to books and related publications. The organization coordinates and supervises the ISBN system, helping publishers, national registration agencies, booksellers, libraries, and other participants in the book supply chain identify titles, editions, and formats accurately. By maintaining standards for assignment, bar coding, e-books, and related policies, the agency supports consistent cataloguing, distribution, and sales across international markets. The website serves as a central reference point for anyone involved in publishing or ISBN administration. It explains what ISBN is, how to obtain one, the scope of assignment, and the rules that apply to print and digital publications. The site also provides practical resources such as the ISBN Users’ manual, an ISBN calculator, and the Global Register of Publishers, along with information on national agencies, ISBN ranges, governance, and other identifiers used in the book industry. This makes the site useful for publishers seeking guidance, agencies managing local registration, and professionals who need reliable standards information. A notable feature of the International ISBN Agency is its global network of more than 150 regional or national registration agencies, with ISBN used in more than 200 countries and territories. The organization connects local publishing communities to a shared international system, helping new agencies join the network and supporting the growth of publishing in different regions. Recent updates on the site include reports from the 2025 Annual General Meeting in São Paulo, the launch of the Burkina Faso ISBN registration agency, and a regional meeting in Zagreb, showing the agency’s ongoing role in coordinating ISBN policy and practice worldwide.