2004-09-27
Rev. 2005-06-29

Library and Archives Canada’s implementation of the 13-digit ISBN 

ISO 2108:2005, "Information and documentation -- International Standard Book Number (ISBN)", was published on 30 May 2005 increasing the length of the ISBN from 10 to 13 digits.  Although the date for the publishing community to fully implement ISBN-13 is January 1, 2007, publishers will be phasing–in their implementation of ISBN-13 over a two year period (2005-2007).  This means that between 2005 and 2007, libraries will begin to see both 10 and 13 digit ISBNs on a single manifestation.   After 2007, new imprints will carry only 13-digit ISBNs. 

For further information on ISBN-13, see: 
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/iso/tc46sc9/isbn.htm

ISBNs are transcribed in bibliographic records as found on the manifestation. The phased-in approach to ISBN-13 by the publishing community requires libraries to accommodate ISBN-13 in their library systems and processes.  

The following outlines LAC’s plans for accommodating ISBN-13 in bibliographic records residing in AMICUS and/or issued by LAC. 

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Implementation in AMICUS and in LAC catalogue records
Before January 2007:
 
During this interim period, LAC will transcribe an ISBN-10 or both an ISBN-10 and ISBN-13, depending on what the publisher has printed on the manifestation.  

In addition, bibliographic records residing in AMICUS and issued by the Library of Congress or contributed by Union Catalogue partners will contain an ISBN-10 or both an ISBN-10 and ISBN-13, depending on what the publisher has printed on the manifestation.  

After January 2007:

Since the date for full implementation of the ISBN-13 is January 2007, publishers will supply only ISBN-13 on new imprints from that date.  LAC’s bibliographic records will, therefore, carry only ISBN-13 for such imprints. 

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Searching by ISBNs on AMICUS Web

LAC is working on an long term searching strategy by which users will be able to search by either an ISBN-10 or by an ISBN-13 to find a manifestation regardless of which version of a number was transcribed in the bibliographic record.  Until this strategy is in place, users are advised to search both versions of a number. 

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Cataloguing-in-Publication

As early as November 2004, LAC Cataloguing-in-Publication program records created for manifestations to be published after January 2005 may carry both ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 at the request of the publisher.   In such a case, the two ISBNs will be transcribed in the bibliographic record in repeated MARC 21 020 fields. The ISBNs will appear in the CIP data that is printed on the verso of the title page.   

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Canadian ISBN Agency
Until October 2006:

During this "dual numbering" period, the Canadian ISBN Agency will continue to assign blocks of 10 digit ISBNs as usual.  Publishers are required to continue to print the ISBN-10 on their publications.  

In preparation for full implementation of ISBN-13, publishers may wish to convert  blocks of unused 10 digit numbers to 13 digit numbers with the 978 prefix for use in their own catalogues, or for printing on manifestations.  Conversion programs and software are readily available on the internet.

From October 2006 to January 2007:

Unused blocks of 10 digit numbers which remain in the ISBN Agency's supply will be converted to blocks of 13 digit numbers with the 978 prefix.  The Canadian ISBN Agency will begin assigning blocks of 13 digit numbers to meet all requests for new blocks of numbers.  The agency will issue 13 digit numbers for all new publisher requests and for requests for additional blocks.  

After January 2007:

Items which will be published from January 2007 onward need only carry the ISBN-13.

For further information, please contact:
Library and Archives Canada at:
standards@lac-bac.gc.ca