TS ISO 2108

TS ISO 2108 is an information and documentation standard for the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system, defining how ISBNs are constructed, assigned, and used for monographic publications. It provides a unique international identification framework for each product form or edition issued by a specific publisher, helping distinguish individual publication instances within the publishing workflow.

What the ISBN identifies

In technical terms, an ISBN identifies a publication instance rather than the intellectual work alone. That distinction matters because different product forms or editions of the same title may need separate identifiers, such as hardback, paperback, or digital editions. In general publishing practice, this supports cataloguing, ordering, distribution, inventory control, and bibliographic record matching. TS ISO 2108 addresses this identification model and specifies the construction of the ISBN, the rules for assignment and use, the metadata associated with ISBN allocation, and the administration of the ISBN system.

Metadata and system administration

A key aspect of the standard is the relationship between the ISBN and its associated metadata. In general technical context, this metadata supports reliable identification by linking the number to publisher, edition, and product-form information. That makes the ISBN part of a wider publishing infrastructure rather than a standalone number. The standard also addresses system administration, which is essential for keeping assignments consistent, unique, and suitable for international use.

• Provides a unique identification system for monographic publications.
• Covers the construction of the ISBN.
• Sets rules for ISBN assignment and use.
• Specifies metadata associated with ISBN allocation.
• Addresses administration of the ISBN system.