Standard Book Number meaning

Standard Book Number definitions

Standard Book Number (SBN) is a unique identifier for books that helps in cataloging and identifying specific editions of a book. It is similar to the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) but was used before the ISBN system was implemented.

History of Standard Book Number

The Standard Book Number was developed by the bookselling industry in the United Kingdom in the late 1960s. It was created to help organize and manage the growing number of books being published at the time. The system was later replaced by the ISBN system, which is now used worldwide.

Format of Standard Book Number

The Standard Book Number consists of nine digits, usually divided into three parts with hyphens. The first part represents the country or language group, the second part identifies the publisher, and the third part identifies the title of the book. This format helped in uniquely identifying each edition of a book.

Uses of Standard Book Number

Standard Book Numbers were used primarily by booksellers, distributors, and libraries to track and manage inventory. They were also used by publishers to differentiate between different editions of a book and to facilitate the ordering process. Though the ISBN system has largely replaced the SBN system, the basic concept of identifying books with a unique number remains the same.

In conclusion, the Standard Book Number played an essential role in the organization and management of books before the ISBN system was implemented. While it is no longer in widespread use, its legacy lives on in the form of the ISBN system, which continues to be the standard for identifying books worldwide.

Standard Book Number Examples

1. I need to look up the Standard Book Number for this novel before ordering it online.
2. The bookstore employee scanned the Standard Book Number to check the availability of the textbook.
3. The library catalog uses the Standard Book Number system to organize its collection.
4. Authors must obtain a unique Standard Book Number for each edition of their book.
5. When purchasing a used book, it's helpful to verify the Standard Book Number to ensure you are getting the correct edition.
6. Online retailers often display the Standard Book Number to help customers identify the exact book they are looking for.
7. Librarians use the Standard Book Number to quickly locate books on the shelves.
8. Publishers assign a Standard Book Number to each new publication before it goes to print.
9. Book clubs can use the Standard Book Number to ensure all members are reading the same edition of a book.
10. Authors can include the Standard Book Number on promotional materials to make it easier for readers to find their book.

Most accessed