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Frequently Asked Questions About the ISMN
What is an ISMN?
- The International Standard Music Number (ISMN) consists of the letter M followed by nine-digits and is used to identify all international printed music publications, whether available for sale, hire or free. It is not used for sound, audiotapes, CDs, video recordings or for books on music.
What is the purpose of the ISMN?
- The purpose of the ISMN is to establish and identify a particular title of a particular edition from one specific publisher, allowing for more efficient marketing of printed music products within the publishing houses, music trade and libraries.
What is the format of the ISMN?
- Every ISMN consists of the letter M followed by nine digits and when printed it is preceded by the letters ISMN. The ISMN is divided into four parts, two of which are variable length, each part separated by a hyphen.
Does the ISMN have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
- The four parts of an ISMN are as follows:
- The constant M which distinguishes it from other standard numbers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher
- Item identifier which identifies an edition of a work and the various items within it - full score, separate parts of the score, etc.
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISMN which validates the ISMN - it is computer generated.
Who assigns an ISMN?
- ISMNs are assigned by ISMN agencies around the world coordinated by the International ISMN Agency in Berlin. ISMNs are assigned in the United States by the U.S. ISMN Agency. R.R. Bowker is the independent agent in the U.S. for this system.
Who is eligible for an ISMN?
- The ISMN Agency assigns ISMNs at the direct request of music publishers for printed music only.
How long does it take to get an ISMN?
- Allow 10 business days for non-priority processing from the time an ISMN application is received at the agency (not from the date sent by the publisher). Priority processing is three business days from the time an application is received at the agency.
How much does it cost to get an ISMN?
- There is a service fee to process all ISMN applications. Service fee information is contained on the application. Priority processing involves and additional fee. Please Note:The processing service is NON-REFUNDABLE.
What do I do when I receive the ISMN and where is it printed?
- An ISMN should be assigned to each different edition and to the various items or parts within that edition if necessary, including backlist or forthcoming titles. Each binding must have a separate ISMN (i.e. hardcover, paperbound). A new ISMN is required for a revised edition. Once assigned, an ISMN can never be reused. The ISMN is printed on the back of an edition or score or part and also on the copyright page. If the item is a single sheet, the ISMN will appear in only one place on that item.
How and where do I register my ISMN?
- Once ISMNs have been assigned to products they should be reported to R.R. Bowker as the database of record for the ISMN Agency. Publishers are eligible for a free listing in Books In Print directory.
Can a publisher have both an ISMN & an ISSN?
- Both numbering systems are used for music publications in a series. The ISSN identifies the ongoing serial, or individual volumes of a series. The ISMN identifies the individual item in the series. If a publication has both, each should be printed clearly on the copyright page.
How are ISMNs used in a bar code and how do I obtain one?
- The ISMN is compatible with the international 13-digit bar code. The U.S. ISMN Agency does not create bar codes but it can supply publishers with a list of bar code film master suppliers. For technical information relating to bar coding please contact the Book Industry Study Group at 732-583-0066 or bisg-info@bisg.org
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