ISBN
ISBN qualifiers
For sets and kits, all ISBNs should be qualified with "(set)," "(kit)", "(book)", "(CD)", "(v. 1)" or other such designation of a particular part. A set or kit ISBN, when present, should always be the first ISBN for a set or kit record. An ISBN for a specific volume, when present, should always be the first ISBN when each volume is cataloged on a separate record.
When adding an ISBN to a record for a book with only minor differences from the record, code the book’s ISBN in 020 $a, and add a parenthetical qualifier to the ISBN. If the publisher is different, include the publisher in the qualifier. Separate multiple elements in the qualifier with space colon space. Spell out qualifiers in RDA-format records. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- (pbk.)
- (paperback)
- (lib. bdg.)
- (hc.)
- (Random House)
- (BWI)
- (Econo-Clad)
- (Turtleback) [Note: do NOT use (tbk.) for Turtleback bindings]
- (pbk. : Scholastic)
- (v. 3 : Sagebrush)
- (1999)
- (1999 : 5th ed.)
The exact wording of a qualifier is left to cataloger's judgment, except for the rules regarding Turtlebacks, spelling out terms under RDA, and punctuation.
Optionally, include a 500 note or add to an existing similar 500 note describing this facet of the publication history and the added ISBN. For example "Also published in paperback by Scholastic with ISBN: …"
As of August 20, 2014, this change has been approved in concept by the SCRAP committee, but the exact wording is still being adjusted. Please follow the changed rule(s). Please send any feedback to SCRAP. |
The MARC format has been updated so that this information is coded in 020 ‡q, but OCLC has not yet implemented this change. Until OCLC implements it, you may opt to add them locally, and you may retain them locally in records imported from WorldCat, but please do not add them in original cataloging in WorldCat. SCRAP plans to make this usage required after OCLC implements it. Always use proper ISBD punctuation for these qualifiers, even when using ‡q. 020 0491001304 020 9780060723804‡q(acid-free paper) 020 9780060799748‡q(hardcover :‡qalkaline paper) 020 0717941728‡q(folded) :‡c$0.45 020 0914378260‡q(pbk. ;‡qvolume 1) :‡c$5.00 020 0394502884‡q(Random House) :‡c$12.50 |
10-digit vs. 13-digit ISBNs
Please use 13-digit ISBNs for searching, inputting and preliminary data records unless a 10-digit ISBN is the only one available. Be sure your scanners are programmed to properly treat 13-digit ISBNs as 13-digit ISBNs rather than converting them to 10-digit ISBNs. [1]
For items published after 2010, if a 10-digit ISBN is present on a record that also has the equivalent 13-digit ISBN, it can be left on the record. If a 10-digit ISBN is not present, one does not have to be added.
For items published before 2010, if a 10-digit ISBN is present on a record that also has the equivalent 13-digit ISBN, it must be left on the record. If a 10-digit ISBN is not present, it is recommended but not required to add one if the 13-digit ISBN starts with "978". (If the 13-digit ISBN starts with "979", then there is no 10-digit equivalent, so there is nothing to add.)
Order of ISBNs for volumes/editions
For multivolume monograph records, ISBNs should be added to the top of the record with the newest ISBN last.
For serial records, the ISBNs should be added to the top of the record with the newest ISBN first. (We would prefer ISBNs for serial editions/issues to be located at the end of the record, but whenever the database is copied and reloaded, the system rearranges the tags in numeric order.)[2]
Reused ISBNs
In general, the same ISBN should never be found in 020 ‡a of two records in our database. When a publisher reuses an ISBN on an item that requires a separate record (whether because it is completely different and was accidentally reused, or because it underwent a major change such as a change in title but the publisher intentionally continued using the same ISBN for later printings), the ISBN for the item published later should be in 020 ‡z.
However, if a book is published both separately and as part of a set or kit, the book ISBN can be in 020 ‡a of both records, because both truly refer to that specific edition.
If, due to previous cataloging practices or a cataloging mistake, the same ISBN is already found in an 020 ‡a of an existing record, then check whether that ISBN legitimately applies to that record. If the ISBN does not legitimately apply to that record (for example, an ISBN for a "2nd ed." in a record that says "1st ed.") remove it from that record.
Deleting ISBNs
You do not have to delete ISBNs for which CCS has no holdings, but you are encouraged to do so, especially in cases where each volume is intended to replace the previous one, as then there is very little likelihood that anyone in CCS will ever order that version or volume or receive it as a donation.
Always delete ISBNs that refer to other formats that aren't otherwise part of the record in hand, such as:
- E-book ISBNs on the record for the print version
- Print version ISBNs on e-book records
- Large print ISBNs on regular print records
- Regular print ISBNs on large print records.
However, retain ISBNs that refer to formats that are included in the record in hand, such as the ISBN for the book of a book + CD kit or for other versions that do not warrant a separate record according to our rules for when to create a new record.
Examples:
020 9781234567890 (Hachette) 020 9780987654321 (Brilliance) 020 9781234567890 020 9780987654321 (pbk.) 020 9781234567890 (set) 020 9780987654321 (book) 020 9786789012345 (CD) 020 9781234567890 (pbk.) 020 9780987654321 (Paw Prints)