Abiogensis provides software for the creation of electronic dictionaries.

Packaging and distribution - ISBN, EAN and UPC Frequently Asked Questions.

This site is designed to assist publishers and authors with selling Lexicompatible(tm) electronic references, and focuses on the creation and distribution of electronic dictionaries, glossaries and guides. However, much of the information is of general interest, and all are welcome. Enjoy!

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Abiogenesis makes no warrantees that the information included here is accurate or factual, and does not intend or imply any endorsement of the companies or products mentioned. This informational service is supplied as a courtesy and we recommend that you use due diligence in evaluating the following sources.

Q: What is ISBN?
A: This is an acronym for Internation Standard Book Number. It's a standardized identification system for books, software and mixed media established in 1968-69 and maintained by RR Bowker, a division of Reed Publishing USA.

Q: Where do I get an ISBN number?
A: There's only one source. Bowker/Reed has a monopoly on this.
121 Chanlon Rd., New Providence, New Jersey 07974.
Phone: 908 665-6770 Fax: 908 665-2895.

Q: What does it cost to register?
A: A block of numbers costs you $175 at the present time (in the mid 80s it was free, then went to $100 and now it's $175 and it has been broadened to include software and mixed media). A typical block is 10, so you will have to request a larger block if you need more than 10. You need a separate ISBN for each form of delivery (book, disk, etc.).

Q: Where should ISBNs appear on software?
A: On the label of a disk or cassette, on the lower right corner of the back cover of the manual and the back of the title page (the copyright page). On the lower right corner of the back cover and on the spine.

Q: What size should an ISBN text be?
A: Between 9 and 12 points (a point is 1/72").

Q: What does an ISBN look like?
A: It's ISBN followed by a number with sections separated by hyphens, e.g. ISBN 0-89123-145-2

Q: If I update my book or software, do I have to get another ISBN?
A: This is a fuzzy area. If the new revision is simply an update of the previous, and the previous one is assumed to be withdrawn from sale (obsolete) no new number is necessary, however, if the new revision is substantially different, and you can expect both versions to be for sale at the same time for any extended period, you probably need a new ISBN.

Q: What if I run out of ISBN numbers?
A: That can happen. It's a good idea to request a big enough block at the beginning. Bowker wants to charge you again if you request more and a fair amount of time has lapsed from the time of your initial registration. We've heard a few stories of people getting block sizes increased, but most have been told, pay again.

Q: What does EAN stand for?
A: European Article Number system. There are two versions with 8 and 13 digits respectively: EAN 8 and EAN 13.

Q: What's an EAN code?
A: It's a scannable identifier related to your ISBN number which is used for books. The ISBN part identifies you as the publisher, and then EAN also codes in the title, and optionally the price.

Q: Do I need both ISBN and EAN codes?
A: The two are not the same but related. The ISBN is the registered number for your publication, the EAN is a bar code based on this registered number. If you are a book publisher, and especially if you want your products carried in chains, you will probably need a bar code.

Q: What is a UPC code?
A: UPC stands for Universal Product Code and comes in a couple of flavors. Version A consists of 12 digits which encode the manufacturer's identification number, item number and a checksum digit. UPC codes have been in general use since the early 70s. UPC codes come in different flavors (UPC E0 and UPC E1).

Q: Do I need a UPC code too?
A: It's getting a bit ridiculous, isn't it, with all these codes. But yes, you might. If you mass market your merchandise through outlets other than standard bookstores (supermarkets, hardware stores, etc.).

Q: What do UPC codes cost?
A: Registration is $300.

Q: Where can I get bar code products?
A: Here's a good site with some information on bar code software and hardware suppliers.