Understand how ISBNs differ from Library of Congress control numbers and why each book format normally needs its own ISBN.
What is the difference between an LCCN and an ISBN?
Both numbers help identify a book, but they serve different systems and different purposes.
Library of Congress Control Number
An LCCN belongs to the library cataloging ecosystem and is tied to a book’s bibliographic record.
International Standard Book Number
An ISBN identifies a specific format or edition as a commercial product in the publishing and book trade.
Does each format need its own ISBN?
Yes. Each format or edition normally needs its own ISBN because each one is treated as a separate product.
Hardcover
A hardcover edition normally requires its own unique ISBN.
Paperback
A paperback edition normally requires a different ISBN.
Ebook
The ebook format is normally identified with its own ISBN.
Use the 13-digit ISBN
The Library of Congress states that the PCN Program no longer accepts 10-digit ISBNs. Submit the current 13-digit ISBN with your PCN application.
Identifies a bibliographic record in the library cataloging system.
Identifies a specific edition or format in the commercial book trade.