Preparing for ISBN-13

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The book industry's conversion to a 13-digit ISBN standard, which is effective January 1, 2007 -- just about five months from now -- has ramifications for everyone in the business, from booksellers and librarians to publishers, wholesalers, and POS vendors. Fortunately for all, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) offers a number of tools to help ease the transition, and they are freely available through its website at bisg.org/isbn-13/.

Materials include timelines, an FAQ, labeling and ordering information, and a trading partners readiness directory.

"Unfortunately, it's no longer enough to make sure your company's transition is in good order and assume your trading partners' plans will fall into line," warns BISG. "Coupling your plans with those of your trading partners is the best way to an efficient transition for everyone in the industry." The readiness directory provides information about the preparedness of POS vendors, retailers, publishers, and book manufacturers.

Also available via the website are free downloads of a PDF version of Wiley's ISBN-13 for Dummies and BISG's ISBN-13 webinar. Both can help unravel the complexities of the ISBN-13 transition.