With the rising popularity of ebooks, podcasts and other digital media, many have wondered if, and how, these new forms of product should be identified via the ISBN system. The Book Industry Study Group issued the following policy statement and document on December 7, 2011.
This BISG Policy Statement on recommendations for identifying digital products is applicable to content intended for distribution to the general public in North America but could be applied elsewhere as well. The objective of this Policy Statement is to clarify best practices and outline responsibilities in the assignment of ISBNs to digital products in order to reduce both confusion in the market place, and the possibility of errors.
Some of the organizations which have indicated support of POL-1101 include:
- BookNet Canada
- National Information Standards Organization (NISO)
- IBPA, the Independent Book Publishers Association
CLICK HERE to download (PDF)
Published December 7, 2011