Two options are open to publishers to number books or publications.
As any other trade items using the EAN/UCC-13 (Not in
North America) or UCC-12 (in North america) numbering structure.
Or using the existing ISBN or ISSN numbers (without
its check digit) embedded into a GTIN.
ISBN Code
Books
9
7
8
C
ISSN Code
Serial Publications
9
7
7
C
Other solutions have been defined in some countries using a specific company prefix.
Additional information to the title can be printed in an add-on bar code of 2 or
5 digits. It is issued under the responsibility of the publisher, and is used for
return purpose.
