The Publishing industry typically uses a Bookland EAN-13 bar code. The Bookland EAN-13 bar code is based upon the UCC/EAN-128 symbology. The Bookland EAN-13 is made up of a country code prefix, an ISBN number and a check digit.
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a world wide system that has been in use since the late 1960's. There is a different ISBN for each edition and binding for each book. Here is how the ISBN breaks down:
ex. 0-915516-21-7
0 - Book originated in English
915516 - Identifies publisher
21 - Identifies a particular title and edition of book.
7 - Check Digit
To obtain an ISBN call or write
| RR Bowker Co. 21 Chanlon Rd New Providence, NJ 07974 |
Phone: | (908) 464-6800 (800) 521-8110 x6770 |
Fax: | (908) 665-3502 |
| or visit them at Bowker.com | ||||
I have my ISBN. Now what?
Swing Labels can turn your 10 digit ISBN into a 13 digit Bookland EAN-13 bar code with a +5 extension. For more details about a Bookland EAN-13 click here. You may have your retail price encoded in the +5 extension or you may encode a null value of "50000". Once your Bookland EAN-13 bar code is calculated there are three ways to use your new bar code. Bar codes can be supplied as Labels, Digital Files and/or Film Negatives.
Labels - Labels are generally used when your publication is already printed and you need to have a bar code affixed to your item. Labels are 2" x 1", white, matte finish, permanent adhesive, rolled, 1 up on a 3" core.
Digital File - Files can be imported into an existing computer document where your publication has yet to be sent to the printer. Files are generally in EPS or TIF format. Files can either be sent by mail on a 3½" floppy diskette/CD-ROM and/or sent via e-mail.
Film Negative - Typically done when your publication is at the printers. This is a sheet (film) with a reverse image of your bar code. Any questions reguarding this process should be addressed to your printer.
Download a Bookland EAN-13 order form here.