TS EN ISO 9707

TS EN ISO 9707 is an information and documentation standard concerned with statistics on the production and distribution of books, newspapers, periodicals and electronic publications. The subject is important because publishing data are only useful when the main categories are defined in a consistent way: what counts as production, what counts as distribution, and how print and digital publications are distinguished for statistical purposes. This edition has been withdrawn, but the topic remains a useful reference point for understanding how publication statistics are organised.

How publication statistics are organised

In general technical terms, books, newspapers and periodicals are not interchangeable categories. Books are usually treated as discrete publications, newspapers as frequent current-information publications, and periodicals as serials issued at regular intervals. Electronic publications add another layer because the content is distributed in digital form rather than, or in addition to, print. For statistics, that difference matters: the same title may appear in more than one format, and each format can affect how output, circulation and availability are recorded.

Why consistent definitions matter

Publication statistics support cultural policy, library planning, market analysis and information management. In general, standards in this area help organisations use the same definitions and reporting logic so that data remain comparable across institutions, countries and time periods. When terminology is aligned, statistical reports become more reliable for tracking publishing activity, distribution patterns and the broader information environment.

• Provides a common statistical language for print and electronic publications.
• Supports consistent recording of production and distribution data.
• Improves comparability for cultural and sector analysis.
• Relevant to publishing, librarianship and information management.