Anna and Klaus on Their Work at the ISBN Agency

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a book’s “fingerprint” and accompanies the work throughout the entire distribution chain—from the publisher or self-publisher, through bookstores, to readers.

Since the global standard was first introduced in Germany in 1969, MVB has been home to the national ISBN agency. Here, in the heart of the book industry, is the perfect place to help shape processes.

We asked our two ISBN experts, Anna and Klaus, what their day-to-day work is like, what kinds of unusual requests they receive, and what trends they’ve been observing.

• What does the German ISBN Agency do, and what role does MVB play in this?
  Anna: We provide ISBNs to publishers as well as self-publishers—ranging from large blocks of ISBNs to individual ISBNs. We’re also the point of contact for any questions regarding ordering and proper use, and of course for troubleshooting. Behind the scenes, we ensure that there are enough ISBNs available for the German book market and coordinate with the international ISBN agency in London.
   
• What are your responsibilities on the team?
  Anna: Together with three other colleagues, we assist customers by phone and email. Inquiries range from orders to creative or complex cases, such as a potential ISBN transfer. We also advise aspiring self-publishers on their first steps.
  Klaus: In addition, I handle organizational tasks, such as regularly reporting newly assigned numbers to the international ISBN agency.
  Anna: We benefit greatly from the knowledge the team has built up over the years, which also helps us optimize or share internal processes.
   
• What was the strangest inquiry you’ve received so far?
  Klaus: We were particularly surprised by the assumption that people could make up their own ISBNs. It seems they weren’t aware that ISBNs follow a specific format.
  Anna: We also occasionally get questions about printed items like T-shirts, mugs, or toilet paper. In those cases, we explain that not every product containing text is eligible for an ISBN. There are clear guidelines for this.
   
• How is the ISBN system organized internationally?
  Anna: The international ISBN organization comprises about 150 national and regional ISBN agencies, most of which are affiliated with booksellers’ associations or state libraries. We occasionally collaborate on cross-border inquiries.
  Klaus: Once a year, delegates from all agencies meet to discuss current developments in the ISBN system. We are committed to helping shape the future of the standard, and we have therefore played an active role in various capacities over the years.
   
• Which developments are you currently following particularly closely?
  Klaus: Right now, we’re observing how publications created entirely or partially with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) are affecting ISBN usage. In recent years, the number of ISBN orders has risen significantly—especially in the English-speaking world. My impression is that such publications are increasingly making their way into traditional bookstores as well.
  Anna: At the same time, more and more people are self-publishing. As this number grows, so do the inquiries we receive, in which we help first-time authors in particular navigate the ISBN process.

Conclusion: Precisely because the book market is constantly changing, the ISBN remains a key factor in the discoverability and marketing of books.

PS: Alles Wissenswerte rund um die ISBN und den Link zum ISBN-Shop gibt es unter: www.german-isbn.de

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