The Book Industry Study Group’s Metadata Committee presented information about Bowker’s plans to introduce new 979 prefix for book ISBNs starting in early 2020, as demand for the existing 978-prefix blocks has diminished the available inventory. But the introduction of a new prefix block means more than just an expansion of available ISBNs: It means that “for the first time in the US market” since the move to 13-digits ISBNs in 2007, “there will be no 10-digit equivalent to a 979 ISBN.” As result, everyone will now have to be fully 13-digit compliant; there will be no more getting away […]
