Other useful information

ISBN code

The ISBN code is the international standard number of the book. It consists of 13 digits grouped into 5 segments of varying length, separated by a hyphen:

  • prefix 978 - the international book publishing production identification code;
  • country code - indicates the national, linguistic or geographical group. This segment designates the language group (language) of the publisher and not the language in which the book is published; code 973 identifies publishers in Romania.
  • publisher code - identifies the publisher of the document. Its length varies according to the number of works published by the publisher;
  • serial number - numbers the document among the publisher's publications;
  • check digit - is the last digit of the ISBN code. This allows the validity of the ISBN code to be checked.

The algorithm for calculating the check digit belongs to the International ISBN Agency in London.

The advantages of using the ISBN code are:

  • identification of documents and publishers in bibliographic databases, avoiding confusion between similar titles;
  • facilitating book stock management operations in libraries, publishers, bookshops, distribution agencies;
  • creating databases for publishers and launching computer orders;
  • participating in the CIP (Cataloguing in Publication) programme.

Categories of documents receiving an ISBN code

The following categories of documents receive an ISBN code:

  • Musical scores with text
  • Printed Books:
  • Printed books and pamphlets;
  • Audio books on cassette, CD or DVD;
  • Atlases and maps with text;
  • Publications with flyleaves, with text (single issue under a common title);
  • Braille publications;
  • Microform publications;
  • Electronic or online publications;
  • Digitised copies of printed monographic publications;
  • Educational or teaching computer programs;
  • Multimedia publications;

 

Categories of documents that do not receive an ISBN code

The following categories of documents are not given an ISBN code:

  • documents containing exclusively advertising information;
  • periodical publications;
  • printed matter without a title page or accompanying text;
  • personal documents (such as curricula vitae and personal profiles);
  • postcards;
  • musical recordings;
  • musical scores without text;
  • computer programs that are used for any purpose other than educational or teaching;
  • electronic messages and any other electronic correspondence;
  • games.

Rules for granting ISBN codes

The National ISBN Centre assigns ISBN codes both to publishers and to authors/institutions that produce their own books.

The National ISBN Centre assigns ISBN codes to publishers in sets of 10. A fee is charged for each series. New ISBN codes can be obtained by paying the corresponding fee and providing (compulsory) justification for the use of the previously requested codes, according to the list of ISBN codes used (see the materials required for applying for new ISBN codes).

A publisher who has more than one publishing house and publishes works under the name of each, must apply for different sets of ISBN codes for each publishing house.

In the event of a change of address, name or other identifying information of the publisher, the publisher must notify the National ISBN Centre to update the record in the database.

The ISBN codes are sent to the applicant in writing, directly, by fax or e-mail.

The National ISBN Centre assigns a maximum of two ISBN codes per calendar year for occasional or self-published works. They are requested in writing, by means of a standard application, by the author/institution responsible for the publication of the work. Applications should be submitted directly to the National Library of Romania or can be sent by fax or e-mail.

The following information must appear on the cover of occasional publications: title, author, city and calendar year. Any other information about typography, typesetting, graphics, etc. will be mentioned on the back of the title page.

To request an ISBN code, contact the National ISBN Centre (tel. 021.311.26.35, 021.314.24.34 - ext. 229 or isbn@bibnat.ro).

Rules for using ISBN codes

Books and booklets in one volume:

Rule: one ISBN code is given for each title.

The ISBN code is printed on the verso of the title page, in the structure of the National Library of Romania's CIP Description, and on the back cover.

Work in several volumes:

Rule: one ISBN code is given for the general part (the work as a whole) and one ISBN code for each individual volume.

The 2 ISBN codes for each volume are printed on the verso of the title page, in the structure of the National Library of Romania's CIP Description, and on the back cover.

Reprint (extension of print run):

Rule: keep the original ISBN code which is printed on the verso of the title page, in the structure of the National Library of Romania's CIP Description, and on the 4th cover.

Definition: reprinting is a new edition of a document already published. The reprinted document does not undergo any change in terms of text, title, calendar year and presentation format of the original document.

Some changes to the original document are allowed: changing the price, correcting spelling mistakes that do not affect the meaning of the text, and adding or deleting a few lines that do not affect the number of pages or the meaning of the text.

New edition:

Rule: a new ISBN code is given and printed on the verso of the title page, in the structure of the National Library's CIP Description, and on the back cover.

Definition: a new edition is a document which, compared to the original, undergoes changes: to the text, title, calendar year, format, edition or contains illustrations within the document.

Coedition:

Rule: each publisher assigns an ISBN code from its own code series to the work in question. The ISBN codes, accompanied by the publisher's name, will be printed in the structure of the National Library's CIP Description and on the 4th cover.

Definition: a co-publication is a work produced by 2 or more publishers, also listed on the title page.

Electronic documents:

Rule: ISBN code is given according to the same rules as for the printed format.

The ISBN code must be printed, depending on the medium of the document, on the CD-ROM, on the cover and/or on the presentation screen.

The National ISBN Centre in Romania operates on the basis of international standards in this field, approved and applied by the International ISBN Agency in London.

Frequently asked questions about ISBN

Does the ISBN code provide exclusivity on the name of the publisher or the name of the book?

No. The granting of an ISBN code for a book title does not confer any exclusive right to the publisher's name and/or book title.

In order to protect the name of the publisher/title, the trade mark must be registered with the State Patent and Trade Mark Office.

For a document to be printed in another country, but the publisher is from Romania, where will the ISBN be requested?

The ISBN is always granted to the publisher and not to the printer. In this case, the publisher will ask the National ISBN Centre in Romania for an ISBN code to be printed on the book, and then send it to the person doing the typesetting.

Where can the ISBN code be printed?

The ISBN code is printed on the back of the title page in the National Library of Romania's CIP description and on the back cover.

What can be done if the ISBN has been printed wrong on the book?

There are several kinds of mistakes: reversed digits, extra digits, fewer digits, a wrong digit, assigning the same ISBN to a new edition, no ISBN for the general part of a multi-volume work, keeping the same ISBN for an exercise book when it is also accompanied by a textbook, assigning an ISBN to another publisher, etc. All these mistakes are detrimental to the identification of the document.

If the ISBN code cannot be corrected in time, the error should at least be signalled by inserting an erratum in the document.

If this is not possible either, care should be taken to ensure that the correct ISBN is given in any reprint.

What can be done if the ISBN list has been lost?

The National ISBN Centre will be contacted.

Under no circumstances will publishers create ISBN codes themselves.

What is the relationship between the ISBN code and the barcode?

The EAN 13 code has the same digits as the ISBN code. A barcode is not an ISBN code and an ISBN code is not a barcode.

What is the relationship between ISBN and copyright?

The ISBN code is an international identification code for a book. It has no legal value, which means that it does not provide copyright protection.

Do electronic documents and software programs get an ISBN code?

Yes. Electronic documents and educational software are given an ISBN code. It must be printed on the CD-ROM (cover and on the disc) and on the presentation screen, depending on the medium of the document.

ISSN code

The ISSN code allows the internationally unique identification of the title of a serial publication.

It is a standardised numerical code consisting of two groups of 4 digits, separated by hyphens, preceded by the acronym ISSN. The eighth character is the check digit of the code. It can be a digit or X.

The ISSN code has no meaning except by itself and does not contain information about the origin or content of the publication.

The ISSN code has no legal value and does not ensure exclusivity over the title to which it has been assigned.

What are the advantages of using the ISSN code?

The ISSN code is used to identify and manage serial publications in a computerised system. It is an access key to the database and a means of rapid control.

  • For publishers, it allows rapid identification of orders and can facilitate relations with serial publishers.
  • For libraries and documentation centres, the ISSN code can facilitate identification operations, acquisitions, loans, international exchange.
  • For researchers, bibliographers and teachers, the citation of serial titles by ISSN code can be done more accurately, especially in the case of homonymy of titles.
  • The ISSN code can provide the basis for calculating the barcode.
  • The ISSN code together with the URL forms a unique identifier for electronic publications.

At national level, serial publications registered at the ISSN National Centre and sent to the D.L. (according to Law 111/1995) are entered in the National Library of Romania database, in the national bibliography of serial publications, starting with the first issue.

At the international level, each ISSN code together with the title of the publication and the related bibliographic description is registered in a specialised database, the "ISSN Register". It is maintained by the ISSN International Centre, mainly by bringing together all national databases. The "ISSN Register" is the world's most comprehensive reference for the identification of serial publications. It can be accessed online at www.issn.org

Which publications can receive an ISSN code?

The ISSN code is for serial publications and monograph series (collections).

Serial publications are documents that appear in successive parts, on any type of medium, usually in numerical or chronological order, and that do not have a predetermined end.

This definition excludes works to be published in a finite number of parts.

Serial publications for which an ISSN code is given are: newspapers, journals, yearbooks, yearlies, scientific bulletins and papers, proceedings and reports.

The following types of publications do not receive an ISSN code: books, albums, calendars, catalogues (guides, lists, prices, offers) and product/service catalogues, large and small advertising publications, supplements and crosswords, TV programmes.

In the category of electronic serial publications, personal or company websites, commercial websites, websites containing only links to other addresses, news and media channels, weblogs, do not receive an ISSN code.

For ISSNs requested in the pre-publication phase (before the first issue is published), the subject matter of the publication will be considered to be that declared by the applicant on his/her own responsibility.

Rules for using the ISSN code

The ISSN code and the title of the serial publication, uniquely registered as the 'key title', form a single entity at international level.

Throughout its publication, the publication may change publisher, locality or country of publication, periodicity, and may be cited in various ways. The ISSN code will remain unchanged and will unambiguously identify the publication.

The ISSN code is valid only for the title to which it has been assigned. Any change to the title will result in a new ISSN code.

The ISSN code is not transferable.

Different ISSN codes are granted for supplements, foreign language editions, series and subseries of a periodical.

The same serial publication appearing in different formats: print, electronic, CD-ROM, etc. will have different ISSN codes for each edition, even if it has the same title.

Changes in the publisher's name, periodicity, place of publication do not require a different ISSN code to be assigned, but it is compulsory to report them to the ISSN National Centre.

Printing the ISSN code

The ISSN code is communicated to the applicant in writing and will be printed on each issue as ISSN XXXX-XXXX.

- For printed serial publications, the preferred place for the ISSN is the editorial box. It may also be printed in any other conspicuous, easily identifiable place.

- For serial publications on CD-ROM, the ISSN code will be printed on the disc cover, will be inscribed on the disc and on the presentation screen next to the title.

- For online serial publications, the ISSN code will be inscribed on the presentation screen, together with the title, numbering elements, publisher.

Frequently asked questions about ISSN

How is the ISSN code assigned to a publication appearing simultaneously in different media?

If a serial publication appears simultaneously in different media (print, online, CD-ROM, e-mail, etc.) with the same content and title, different ISSN codes will be assigned in each case.

How is the ISSN code assigned for a publication with multilingual editions?

Each edition will receive its own ISSN code, even when the title is the same.

What happens to the ISSN code when a publication ceases publication?

When a serial publication ceases publication, permanently or temporarily, the ISSN code remains registered in the database as belonging to that publication. It cannot be re-used and is not transferable.

What happens to the ISSN when a publication continues as a new series?

In this case the ISSN code remains unchanged, provided that the title of the publication remains the same as when the code was granted.

What happens when a publication changes publisher?

Changes to bibliographic data such as frequency of publication, language of the text, publisher (name, address) do not entail a change in the ISSN code.

These changes must be notified by telephone or in writing to the ISSN National Centre to update the identification data of the publication concerned.

What happens to a publication without an ISSN code?

All serial publications in Romania are registered in the national database, with or without an ISSN code, as long as they are sent to the Legal Depository, according to Law no. 111/1995 republished.

Who is responsible for the content of a publication?

Responsibility for the content of a publication lies with the authors, the institution/organisation producing the text or the publisher, as appropriate.

The ISSN National Centre has no power to judge the quality of the content of a publication.

The ISSN code in no way refers to the content of the publication.

Does the ISSN code confer exclusivity on the title of the publication?

The ISSN code together with the 'key title' gives uniqueness in identifying the publication.

The right to exclusive use of a title is obtained following registration of the mark with OSIM (State Office for Inventions and Trademarks).

.What legal value does the ISSN code have?

According to the standard that defines it, the ISSN code has no legal significance.

It does not confer and does not replace copyright.

What is the link between the ISSN code and copyright?

The ISSN code does not confer or replace copyright.

What is the link between the ISSN code and the barcode?

The ISSN code can be contained in the EAN code and in its barcode representation.

Obtaining the barcode is done through agents authorised for this purpose by GS1 Romania.

What is the link between the ISSN code and the ISBN code?

The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) code is only given to serial publications and monograph collections.

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) code is for books.

In some cases, certain types of documents may have dual ISSN/ISBN coding. The ISSN National Centre is responsible for analysing these cases, in accordance with the rules applicable at international level.

What is the link between ISSN and CIP?

There is no link. They appear in Romania through publishers. The CIP description is only for books that appear through a registered publisher in Romania.

No CIP description is given for serial publications.

Does the use of the ISSN code imply tax reductions?

No. According to ISO 3297, which defines the ISSN code, there is no link between this code and any material costs related to the editing, printing, mailing and distribution of a serial publication.

Does the ISSN code have a shelf life?

No. The ISSN code is valid as long as the publication retains the title under which it was registered. Any change of title will result in a new ISSN.

When is the ISSN code required?

For pre-publication publications, the ISSN code is requested when the first issue of the publication is ready for printing.

How long does it take to get the ISSN code?

The ISSN code is granted on the spot, at the National Library of Romania's headquarters, or within 2 working days of correct and complete receipt of the required materials. The ISSN code will be sent to the applicant by fax or email.

Materials required for the ISSN code

The ISSN code for serial publications is granted as follows:

  • for publications which have ceased publication without formality;
  • for current publications or those in the process of being published, on the basis of an application form completed by the publisher or the institution responsible for the publication.

The applicant is responsible for the accuracy and conformity of the data entered on the application form.

Materials required for the ISSN code for printed publications:

  • The completed application form;
  • A4 copy of the front cover for printed publications and the presentation screen for electronic publications;

NOTE: Before starting the formalities for obtaining the ISSN code, it is compulsory to check the title of the publication in the ISSN database by telephone or e-mail. For electronic publications, the electronic address of the website must be provided. On this occasion you will receive agreement in principle to proceed with the formalities.

REMARKS

  1. Requests for the ISSN code can be submitted directly to the National Library of Romania. In this case, the publication will be registered and the ISSN code will be granted on the spot.
  2. Requests for the ISSN code can be sent to the ISSN National Centre by fax, e-mail or directly from the website. The information will be processed and the ISSN code will be granted only if the requested material is complete. The ISSN code will be sent to the applicant, in writing, by fax or e-mail, within a maximum of 2 working days of receipt of the material.
  3. For serial publications in the course of publication, the ISSN code will only be assigned when the first issue of the publication goes to press.
  4. For electronic, online publications, the ISSN code is only awarded once the website becomes publicly accessible (with or without subscription).
  5. ISSN codes cannot be submitted by telephone, but only in writing.
  6. The applicant, publisher or institution responsible for the publication is directly responsible for the accuracy of the data entered in the application form.

ISSN applications should be sent to the address:

ISSN Romanian Centre

National Library of Romania

4 Ion Ghica Street, sect. 3, code 030046 Bucharest

 

Cataloguing in Publication - CIP

Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) is a free programme of cooperation between publishers and nationally designated libraries, which allows books to be catalogued before publication.

The CIP programme, initiated by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., USA, is being run in many countries, including the UK, Germany, Russia and Canada.