International ISBN Agency – Global ISBN Authority

The International ISBN Agency is the global registration authority responsible for coordinating and supervising the International Standard Book Number system. Based in London, the organisation has been appointed by ISO to administer the ISBN standard worldwide and works with registration agencies serving publishers in countries, regions and language areas.

A central purpose of the website is to explain the ISBN system and its role in the international book supply chain. ISBNs provide unique identifiers for specific editions and formats of books and other qualifying monographic publications. They are used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, distributors, online retailers and other organisations for ordering, cataloguing, sales records and stock control.

The website provides extensive official guidance for publishers. It explains which publications qualify for ISBNs, how the identifier is structured, who should apply for one and how publishers can locate the appropriate registration agency. A searchable directory helps users identify ISBN agencies responsible for particular countries and territories.

Another important area is the administration and governance of the international system. The agency coordinates the network of national and regional registration agencies and establishes policies and procedures governing ISBN assignment and metadata. Registration agencies are responsible for maintaining records, issuing ISBNs and supporting publishers within their territories.

Practical resources include the ISBN Users' Manual, frequently asked questions, an ISBN calculator, information about ISBN ranges and material covering related identifiers and publishing standards. The website also publishes organisational and industry news.

The International ISBN Agency is therefore not a publisher, bookstore or general literary website. Its defining function is the international administration of a publishing identification standard and the provision of authoritative ISBN information and resources for publishers and the global book trade.