ISBN vs. LCCN: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to books, there are a lot of different identifiers that help us keep track of them. Two of the most important are the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and the LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number). Though both serve as identifiers, they have distinct purposes and are used in different contexts.
What Is an ISBN?
The ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier specifically for books. It’s used worldwide by publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers to identify a particular book and its edition. Each ISBN is unique to a specific title and format—meaning a hardcover and paperback version of the same book will have different ISBNs. An ISBN is crucial for the marketing, distribution, and sales of a book. Without an ISBN, a book might not be listed in major databases, making it harder for people to find or purchase.
What Is an LCCN?
The LCCN, or Library of Congress Control Number, is an identification number assigned by the Library of Congress in the United States. Unlike an ISBN, the LCCN is not used for commercial purposes like selling books. Instead, it’s used mainly by libraries to catalog and manage books within their collections. The LCCN helps libraries keep track of books, making it easier to organize, catalog, and locate them within the vast library systems.
Key Differences
- Purpose: The ISBN is used primarily in the book trade and is essential for selling, marketing, and distributing books globally. The LCCN is used mainly for library cataloging in the U.S., helping libraries manage their collections.
- Scope: An ISBN is used internationally across all types of books and is necessary for any book that will be sold or distributed. The LCCN, on the other hand, is specific to the United States and is mostly used within library systems.
- Usage: ISBNs are required for listing books in bookstores, online platforms, and libraries. LCCNs, however, are not mandatory but are beneficial for books that are expected to be held in libraries, especially in the U.S.
Conclusion
In summary, while both ISBN and LCCN are important in the world of books, they serve different audiences and purposes. If you're publishing a book, you'll need an ISBN to sell it, but an LCCN will help if your book is likely to be cataloged in U.S. libraries. Understanding the differences between these two identifiers can help you navigate the publishing process more effectively.