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AUSTRALIAN ISMN AGENCY
ISMN USERS' MANUAL
(International Standard Music Number)

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CONTENTS


1. Background

1.1 What is an ISMN?

An ISMN is a unique number for the identification of printed music publications.

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1.2 Development of ISMN

When the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) proved to be a comprehensive and widely used tool for the book trade, music publishers realized that a similar standard number for printed music would also be useful.

In 1988, the U.K. branch of the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML) approached the ISBN Advisory Panel with a proposal for an International Standard Music Number (ISMN). This proposal was subsequently submitted to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for development as an international standard.

In January 1990, representatives of European and North American music publishers, IAML, ISO and the ISBN system met in Ottawa to resolve issues relating to the format of the proposed ISMN. After agreement was reached on a 10-digit format, the ISMN standard was drafted by ISO Technical Committee 46, Subcommittee 9, which was a working group of music publishers and librarians. The resulting ISO 10957, Information and Documentation - International Standard Music Number (ISMN), was formally approved for adoption as an international standard and was published in 1993.

The main reasons for adopting the 10-digit ISMN were the proven success of the 10-digit ISBN and the fact that the 10-digit number could be incorporated into the 13-digit international bar code system simply by extending the ISBN system. The ISMN offers a complete rationalization of music publishing and the music trade as well as music libraries. In principle the ISMN may be considered a subset of the ISBN.

To prevent confusion between the ISMN and ISBN, the ISMN contains several distinguishing features:

  • the first digit is the constant "M",
  • there is no group number on the grounds that music is international, and
  • the check character is calculated according to a modulus 10.

This is the format used prior to 1st January 2008.

The new format to be used after this date is as follows:

  • the first four digits represent the Bookland barcode prefix "979-0"
  • the publisher element or identifier
  • the item element
  • the check digit

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1.3 Benefits of the ISMN system

The supply of ISMNs to Australian publishers is a free service provided by the National Library of Australia. ISMNs are useful to publishers, libraries and the music trade as they:
  • provide fast and unique identification
  • enable quick and efficient ordering and tele-ordering
  • speed up distribution
  • allow the creation of a music trade directory
  • support bar coding and electronic point-of-sale systems

1.4 International ISMN Agency

The International ISMN Agency in Berlin is responsible for the maintenance of the ISMN system worldwide, the standard and its application. Publisher identifiers are distributed to the national ISMN agencies who are then responsible for assigning them to publishers. The International Agency is also responsible for publishing publisher details and identifiers in Music publishers' international ISMN directory.

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2. Construction of the International Standard Music Number

As from 1st January 2008 the International Standard Music Number (ISMN) consists of a 4 digit prefix (979-0) followed by nine digits. The number is preceded by the letters ISMN. For example, ISMN 979-0-2991-0234-9.

2.1 Elements

The ISMN is divided into four elements, the second and third of which are of variable length. These elements are as follows:

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2.1.1 Prefix element

The prefix element reflects the Bookland barcode.

2.1.2 Publisher identifier

The publisher identifier designates the publisher of a given music publication. Publishers with a large output are assigned short publisher identifiers; publishers with a small output are assigned longer publisher identifiers. (For the distribution of publisher identifiers according to their variable length, see section 2.2.)

2.1.3 Item identifier

This element identifies an edition of a work and the various items within it, e.g. full score, miniature score, set of wind parts, oboe part, etc.

Publishers allocate the item identifier to a particular item from within the range of numbers assigned to them. This range depends upon the length of the publisher identifier.

Item identifiers are normally allocated by the publishers themselves (but see also section 4.3, Non self-allocating publishers). Publishers who allocate their own item identifiers may use them to identify items throughout the planning stages as well as items published only as hire materials.

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2.1.4. Check character

The check character is a single digit at the end of the ISMN that provides an automatic verification of the validity of the ISMN.

The check character is calculated on a modulus 10. It may be a number between 0 and 9. The number is determined by the computer based on the following calculation.

Each of the first 12 digits of the ISMN is alternately multiplied by 1 and 3. The check digit is equal to 10 minus the remainder resulting from dividing the sum of the weighted products of the first 12 digits by 10 with one exception. If this calculation results in an apparent check digit of 10, the check digit is 0.

For example the ISMN 979-0-3452-4680-5:

- - Publisher identifier Item identifier (check character)
ISMN 9790 3 4 5 2 4 6 8 0 5
Weight
(multiplier)
1313 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 -
Products = 9 21 90 3 12 5 6 4 18 8 0=65 -

The sum of the products is 65. The next higher number divisible by 10, without remainder, is 70. The computer assigned check character for this item is 5, so that 979-0-3452-4680-5 is a valid International Standard Music Number. For a full description of how the formula is calculated, please refer to ISO 10957 Standard.

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2.2 Number of digits in each element; how to recognise elements in an ISMN

The number of digits in the Publisher Identifier and the Item Identifier (i.e., elements 2 and 3) is variable; however, the total number of digits contained in these two elements is always eight. These eight digits together with the prefix and check digit bring the total number of digits in an ISMN to thirteen.

Examples: 979-0-9009500-0-0
- 979-0-67302-007-8
- 979-0-720004-05-1

Publishers with an expected very large output will receive publisher identifiers of three or four digits. Publishers with a medium to small output will receive publisher identifiers of five, six or seven digits.

The following table shows the arrangement of publisher identifiers relative to the total numbers available for item identification.

Publisher Identifier Total Numbers Available for
Item Identification
000 - 099 100000
1000 - 3999 10000
40000 - 69999 1000
700000 - 899999 100
9000000 - 9999999 10

For ease of reading, the four elements of the ISMN are divided by spaces or hyphens when printed. These separators, however, are not retained in the computer, which uses the fixed ranges of numbers to recognize the elements. Since the ISMN is recorded as 9790229102349 in a computer, there could be some confusion in reading the publisher identifier, i.e. either 2991 or 299. But the potential confusion is eliminated since it can be seen from the table above that there cannot be an identifier 299 and that the identifier must be 2991.

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3. Scope of the ISMN

The ISMN is used to identify music publications, whether available for sale, hire, gratis or for copyright purposes only. It is not used for sound or video recordings (except in the rare case noted below): although there is no international identification system for these items, individual sound recordings are identified by the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). In addition, the ISMN is not used for books on music, which receive an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). (Section 8 explains the application of different types of standard numbers.)

Each separately available constituent part of a publication must receive its own ISMN.

3.1 Items eligible for ISMNs

Items that should receive ISMNs include:

  • Scores
  • Miniature (study) scores
  • Vocal scores
  • Sets of parts
  • Separately available individual parts
  • Pop folios
  • Anthologies
  • Other media that are an integral component of a music publication (e.g. a tape recording that is one of the "parts" of a composition)
  • Song texts or lyrics published with the printed music (if available separately)
  • Printed music with commentary (also available separately)
  • Song books (optional, see section 8.2)
  • Microform music publications
  • Braille music publications
  • Electronic publications including digital formats
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3.2 Items ineligible for ISMNs

The following items should not receive ISMNs:
  • Books on music
  • Stand-alone sound or video recordings (including recordings available on computer media)
  • Periodicals and series as a whole, as distinct from individual volumes in series (see section 8.3)
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4. Registration procedures

4.1 Assignment of a publisher identifier

To use ISMNs, a publisher must register with the Australian ISMN Agency who will then assign a publisher identifier and a block of ISMNs. The Agency determines the length of the identifier (and therefore the number of ISMNs attached to it) based on the publisher's production output. To ensure that a suitable publisher identifier is assigned, a publisher should ensure that the Agency has as much information as possible about back lists of publications still available, and about present and future publication programs. Publishers with more than one place of publication should consult section 6.12.

To register for a publisher identifier, a publisher should complete the ISMN registration form or contact the Agency for a printed copy of the form. The supply of ISMNs to Australian publishers is a free service provided by the National Library of Australia.

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4.2 Self-allocating publishers

Most publishers are termed self-allocating because they accept responsibility for allocating their own ISMNs from the block of numbers assigned to them. Once a publisher has registered with the Australian ISMN Agency and requested a publisher identifier, the Agency assigns an identifier and a block of ISMNs. The publisher is then responsible for allocating a new ISMN to each new publication.

4.3 Non self-allocating publishers

If any publishers are unable or unwilling to accept responsibility for allocating ISMNs to their publications, the Agency will assume responsibility for this. The Agency will assign a publisher identifier as usual to each publisher but the block of ISMNs attached to the identifier will be retained by the Agency. Such publishers are deemed to be non self-allocating publishers.

The publisher then will have to request a number from their block each time a new publication is being prepared. Requests can be via the website using the Request for ISMN form. Alternatively, printed forms are available for publishers to complete as required.

It is hoped that most publishers will be self-allocating publishers.

4.4 Time and delivery

The ISMN Agency strives to provide notification of a new publisher identifier and a block of numbers within five working days from receipt of a registration application. The block of numbers can be posted, faxed, or provided in an email attachment. Publishers wishing to receive their numbers electronically should contact the Agency to discuss the suitability of format used.

Non self-allocating publishers have to request an ISMN from their block each time they need one. The Agency will provide an ISMN within three working days of receiving a Request for ISMN application. The number can be posted, faxed or emailed to the publisher. If a Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) entry has been requested, it will be supplied within 10 working days.

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5. Principles and procedures to be observed by self-allocating publishers in numbering their own publications

5.1 Authority

Self-allocating publishers are responsible for allocating item identifiers to the individual items that they publish. It is recommended that an ISMN be allocated as soon as a production schedule is established for the item concerned.

5.2 Responsibility

Publishers should designate a person to manage the allocation of ISMNs and their application.

5.3 Register

Publishers must keep a register of ISMNs that have been assigned. The register should include the ISMN, author, title and format (where appropriate).

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5.4 Notification of ISMN allocated

The publisher is responsible for notifying the Agency (no later than one month after allocation) of item details for each ISMN allocated. Notification can be via the website using the Notification of ISMN allocated form. Alternatively, printed forms are available for publishers to complete as required. If a publisher is allocating a large number of ISMNs at one time, the Agency should be contacted to discuss alternative methods of notification.

Once the Agency has received notification, the Agency's administration system will be updated and a catalogue record for the item will be created on the national bibliographic database. If a Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) entry has been requested, it will be supplied within 10 working days.

5.5 ISMN as stock or edition number

Publishers may use or adapt the ISMN as a stock or edition number. Publishers who wish to use their previous stock of edition numbers in addition to the ISMN will need to be able to translate between the different numbering systems.

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6. Application of the ISMN

A separate ISMN must be allocated to every different edition of a music item. Specifically, a new ISMN is required when:

  • there is change in the musical or textual content of a published work unless these are minor corrections,

  • a text that is an integral part of a published musical work is altered,

  • a translation of a text is added, removed or altered (a new ISMN must be allocated even if the text or music are otherwise unchanged), or

  • the physical size of an item is substantially changed in order to produce a new full, study or miniature score edition.

An unchanged impression or unchanged reprint of the same item in the same format and by the same publisher should not be allocated a new ISMN unless there is a change in binding as defined in section 6.2. Similarly, a reproduction supplied on demand from the same originator should NOT be allocated a new ISMN, even if a new reproduction date is indicated on the reproduction.

Price changes do not require the allocation of new ISMNs.

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6.1 Facsimile reprints and microform editions

A separate ISMN should always be allocated to a facsimile reprint produced by a different publisher. A microform edition should always be allocated a separate ISMN.

6.2 Different bindings

A separate ISMN should be allocated to each different binding in which a particular title is published, even if the contents are identical. For instance, a hardback edition and a paperback edition should each receive a separate ISMN.

Examples:

Full score, paper bound
Full score and commentary, boxed
Vocal score, paper bound
Vocal score, cloth bound
= four ISMNs
Playing score, paper bound
Playing score, without cover
= two ISMNs

A change of cover design, where the contents of the item are unchanged, or a change in colour or other marginal difference between the binding of one impression and a subsequent impression, does not constitute a change of binding and a new ISMN should not be given.

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6.3 Different formats

A separate ISMN must be allocated to each separately saleable or obtainable component of a publication. It is strongly recommended that a complete list of the ISMNs allocated to all components of a publication be displayed on one or more of these components (see section 7.1).

6.3.1 Scores and parts

For a publication consisting of scores and parts, the full score, a set of parts as a whole, and each individual part (if available separately) must be allocated its own ISMN.

Example:

Full score
Vocal score
Set of chorus parts
Individual chorus part
= four ISMNs

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6.3.2 Scores available as part of a set

Where a score is available only as an item in a set and not as an individual saleable item, it must be allocated the ISMN of the set. However, if it may eventually be made available as a separate item, it should be allocated its own ISMN.

Example:

Piano score and two parts available only as one set = one ISMN

Where a score is available both as a separate item and as part of a set, the set should receive an ISMN and the score should be allocated its own ISMN.

Example:

Score
Score and parts, complete set
= two ISMNs

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6.3.3 Parts available separately

An ISMN should be allocated to each separately printed part that is available as a separate item.

Example:

Violin I part
Violin II part
Viola part
Cello part
= four ISMNs

6.3.4 Parts available separately and in sets

Where separately printed parts are available as a set as well as being available as separate items, the set must be allocated its own ISMN as should each separately printed part.

Example:

Violin part
Viola part
Cello part
Set of parts
= four ISMNs

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6.3.5 Parts available only in sets

Where individual instrumental or vocal parts are not available separately but only as a set, an ISMN must be allocated to the set and each separately printed part should receive the ISMN allocated to that set.

Example:

Score
Set of parts
= two ISMNs

The score receives its own ISMN; each individual part receives the ISMN for the set only.

Note: individual parts that are available only in a set should be allocated their own individual ISMNs if and when they are made available as separate items.

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6.3.6 Some parts available separately, some only in sets

Where some of the separately printed parts in a set are available individually and some are only available in a set, each separately available part should be allocated its own ISMN as an individual item; all other parts should receive the ISMN allocated to the set in which they are available.

Example:

Full set of parts
Non-string set
Violin I part
Violin II part
Cello/bass part
= five ISMNs

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6.3.7 Multiple packs

Where a separately available item is also available in a pack that only contains multiple copies of the item, the pack should be allocated its own unique ISMN.

Example:

Leaflet, single copy
Leaflet, pack of 100 copies
= two ISMNs

6.4 Different versions

If a publisher issues a title in more than one arrangement or version, each arrangement or version should be allocated its own ISMN.

Examples:

Piano solo
Piano duet version
Organ solo arrangement
= three ISMNs
High voice
Medium voice
= two ISMNs
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6.5 Multi-volume publications

An ISMN should be allocated to the whole set of volumes of a multivolume publication as well as to each individual volume in the set (see section 8.3).

Examples:

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
One ISMN for the set of three volumes;
one ISMN each for volumes 1, 2 and 3
= four ISMNs
Score
Critical commentary (available separately)
One ISMN for the set; one ISMN each for the score and the commentary
= three ISMNs

Note: If one of the volumes is only printed text, it may also be given an ISBN.

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6.6 Publications with subsidiary material

Where a printed music publication includes subsidiary material, such as a separately published song text or lyrics, a commentary or the like, and the items are sold only as a package, the subsidiary item should receive the same ISMN as the volume it accompanies.

Examples:

Score
Critical commentary (not available separately)
= one ISMN
Voice and keyboard part
Lyrics sheet (not available separately)
= one ISMN

If the subsidiary item(s) is (are) sold separately as well as together, the publication should be treated as a multivolume publication (see section 6.5).

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6.7 Anthologies and excerpts

Anthologies and excerpts should be allocated their own unique ISMNs, whether or not the items in the anthology or the larger work have been previously published or are long out of print.

An ISMN given to an individual item in a previous context may be displayed on the new publication, for instance, at the bottom of the first page of music of each part. Such ISMNs must be clearly distinguished from the ISMN of the new publication.

6.8 Back stock

Publishers are urged to number their back stocks and to publish the ISMNs in their catalogues. They should also print the ISMN in the first reprint of an item from their back stock.

6.9 Rights bought from other publishers

Where a publisher, including an agent with sole-selling rights, has bought the rights to a musical work from another publisher and publishes that work under his or her own imprint, the publication should be allocated a new ISMN by the new publisher. If several publishers have bought the rights, each for their own territory, each should allocate their own ISMN.

6.10 Collaborative publications

A publication issued as a co-edition or joint imprint by several publishers may be allocated ISMNs by each participating publisher. The ISMNs of all publishers named in the imprint should be printed in the publication and clearly identified.

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6.11 Music sold or distributed by agents

According to the principles of the ISMN system, a particular edition published by a particular publisher receives only one ISMN. This ISMN should be retained no matter where or by whom the music is distributed or sold. Only in the following exceptional circumstances may a number be allocated by an agency other than the publisher:

  • where music is imported by an exclusive distributor or sole agent from an area not yet in the ISMN system and to which, therefore, no ISMN has been allocated. In this case, an ISMN may be allocated by the distributor;

  • where music is imported by an exclusive distributor or sole agent and that music carries either a label bearing the imprint of the exclusive distributor or a new title page that replaces the title page of the original publisher. In this case, an ISMN is allocated by the distributor. The ISMN of the original publisher should also be given as a related ISMN;

  • where music is imported by several distributors from an area not yet in the ISMN system and to which, therefore, no ISMN has been allocated. In this case, an ISMN may be allocated by the national agency with which those distributors are affiliated.

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6.12 Publishers with more than one place of publication

6.12.1 A publisher operating in a number of places that are listed in the imprint should allocate only one ISMN to an item.

6.12.2 A publisher operating separate and distinct offices or branches in different places may have a publisher identifier for each office or branch. Nevertheless, each item should be allocated only one ISMN and this allocation should be made by the office or branch responsible for publication.

6.13 Prohibition on re-use of an ISMN

An ISMN once allocated must under no circumstances be re-used. If a number is incorrectly allocated, it must be deleted from the list of usable numbers and must not be allocated to another title. Publishers will have sufficient numbers in their ranges for the loss of this number to be insignificant.

Publishers should advise the Australian ISMN Agency (see section 8.1) of deleted numbers and of the items to which they were erroneously allocated.

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7. Printing and publicising of the ISMN

The ISMN should appear on the published item itself and should always be printed in easily legible type (9 point or larger).

7.1 Printing of the ISMN on music publications

7.1.1 Position of the ISMN

The ISMN should be printed on the back of a score or part. If possible, it should also be printed with the copyright notice.

If it is not possible to print the ISMN on the back of a score or part, it should be printed in some other prominent position (e.g. at the bottom of the first page of music).

When the item is a single sheet, the ISMN should appear in only one place on the item.

When the item is an anthology, the ISMN of the anthology must be clearly distinguished from any other ISMNs that may be printed on individual items contained in the anthology.

If a Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) entry has been supplied, it should be printed in full near the other publication details. Authors' birth dates may be omitted if desired. The entry should appear under the heading "National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry".

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7.1.2 Complete listing of ISMNs belonging to a publication

It is strongly recommended that a complete list of the ISMNs allocated to all constituent parts of a publication be displayed on at least one of the items. Each ISMN should be followed by a brief description of the numbered part. If possible, an identical list should be displayed on one or more other items as well.

Examples:

ISMN 979-0-2700-0000-8 (score)
ISMN 979-0-2700-0001-5 (vocal score)
ISMN 979-0-2700-0002-2 (set of parts)
This list should appear in the score at least, preferably also in the vocal score, and perhaps also in each part.

ISMN 979-0-2712-0234-0 (score, bound)
ISMN 979-0-2712-0235-7 (score, paperback)
This list should appear both in the bound and the paperback score.

For a multivolume publication (see section 6.5):

ISMN 979-0-9009598-0-5 (set)
ISMN 979-0-9009598-1-2 (vol. 1)
ISMN 979-0-9009598-2-9 (vol. 2)
ISMN 979-0-9009598-3-6 (vol. 3)
This list should appear in all three volumes; at a minimum, the ISMNs for the set and the current volume should appear in each volume.

If a set of parts is distributed in a wrapper, the ISMN for the set should be printed on the wrapper. If the parts are available individually, the ISMNs of all individual parts should also be given on the wrapper.

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7.2 Printing of the ISMN in machine readable coding

For OCR (optical character recognition) purposes, the ISMN should be printed in OCR-B format.

The rapid, worldwide extension of bar code scanning has made it advisable to use the international EAN-13 digit bar code. From 1st January 2008 the first three digits (979) of the ISMN prefix correspond to the Bookland code within the GS1 system. There is no need for conversion as in the previous 10-digit ISMNs.

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7.3 Providing the 13 digit bar code - Instructions for makers of film masters

To provide the ISMN Bookland or EAN bar code film masters to publishers to print on their products, the following procedures should be observed:

Validate the ISMN provided by the publisher, using the ISMN check digit validation routine, to avoid any transcription or transposition errors (see section 2.1.4 Check character for ISMNs).

ISMNs in the new 13-digit format, to be used from 1st January 2008, can be directly encoded into the EAN-13 Bar Code symbol. For ISMNs still in the 10-digit format, replace the 'M' prefix with 979-0- to obtain the ISMN Bookland number (see 7.2).

Print the following:

  1. ISMN in human readable numbers (OCR-B)
  2. ISMN bookland in bar code and
  3. ISMN bookland in human readable numbers

All these procedures should be achievable through computer programming.

EAN technical requirements for bar code printing should be observed.

ISMNs printed in machine readable form are still subject to the rules laid down in this manual. Please contact the Australian ISMN Agency for advice. For technical specifications relating to bar codes and names of bar code producers please contact GS1 Australia.

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7.4 Publicising the ISMN

ISMNs should appear in publishers' advertisements, catalogues and stock lists; they should also appear in leaflets, brochures and all other publicity and marketing materials.

In such materials, the ISMN should be printed in a prominent position close to the title and description of the item. The full ISMN should always be given, although it is acceptable to omit the letters "ISMN" as long as it is clear that the number is an International Standard Music Number.

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8. ISMN and other international standard numbers

8.1 ISMN

In Australia the ISMN system is administered by the Australian ISMN Agency at the National Library of Australia. Publishers from all states and territories in Australia should contact the Agency at the National Library to be assigned a publisher identifier and a block of ISMNs.

Contact:

Australian ISMN Agency
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
Ph: (02) 6262 1777
Fax: (02) 6273 4322
Email: ismn@nla.gov.au
Internet: http://www.nla.gov.au/ismn/index.html

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8.2 ISBN

Some music publications may be distributed through the book trade. Publishers issuing music materials intended for the book market may assign an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) in addition to the ISMN.

It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a publication (such as a song book, a hymnal or an album with extensive textual or illustrative material) is a music edition, a normal book, or both. In these cases also, both an ISMN and an ISBN may be assigned. If the publisher wishes to use only one type of number, the choice is at the publisher's discretion. However, it is probably better to use the ISMN when the type of publication is in doubt.

In Australia the ISBN system is administered by Thorpe-Bowker.

Contact:

Thorpe-Bowker
Level One,
607 St Kilda Road
(PO Box 6509, St Kilda Road Central VIC 8008)
Melbourne VIC 3004

Ph: (03) 8517 8333
Fax: (03) 8517 8399
Email: yoursay@thorpe.com.au
Internet: http://www.thorpe.com.au/isbn/

The ISMN and ISBN, where they are both assigned, must be printed on the publication and clearly identified.

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8.3 ISSN

In addition to ISMN and ISBN, a complementary numbering system for serial publications is also in existence, the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).

A serial is defined as any publication, regardless of medium, issued in successive parts, often bearing numerical or chronological designations, and intended to be continued indefinitely. (Serials are distinguished from multi-volume publications, which are intended to be complete in a finite number of volumes. See section 6.5.)

Serials include periodicals and series. There are only a few periodicals of printed music, but many music publications are issued in series. Both categories should be assigned an ISSN for the serial title (which remains the same for all issues of a periodical or individual volumes of a series) and an ISMN for each individual item in the series. (If the serial title changes, a new ISSN is necessary.) In Australia, the ISSN system is administered by the Australian ISSN Agency in the National Library of Australia.

Contact:

Australian ISSN Agency
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
Ph: (02) 6262 1213
Fax: (02) 6273 4492
Email: issn@nla.gov.au
Internet: http://www.nla.gov.au/services/issn.html

Publishers of Australian serials should apply to the Australian ISSN Agency for ISSNs for their serial publications. Publishers do not themselves assign ISSNs.

The ISMN and ISSN, where they are both assigned, must be printed on the publication and clearly identified.

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8.4 ISRC

The ISMN is not intended for sound or video recordings except when they form part of a printed music publication (see section 3). The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers each recording of a piece (but often not the physical item), regardless of the context or carrier in which it is issued. The ISRC system is administered by the International Federation of Phonogram and Videogram Producers (IFPI).

Contact:

IFPI Secretariat
10 Piccadilly
London W1J 0DD
United Kingdom
Ph: +44 (0)20 7878 7900
Fax: +44 (0)20 7878 7950
Email: info@ifpi.org
Internet: http://www.ifpi.org/

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9. Legal Deposit

Besides assisting publishers of printed music by assigning ISMNs, the National Library of Australia also administers Legal Deposit, a program which legally requires each Australian publisher to deposit a copy of every published work with the National Library and the appropriate State Library. This ensures that your publication will be kept and protected for posterity. Materials received on legal deposit are catalogued on the National Bibliographic Database as well as added to the Library's permanent collection.

For more information on legal deposit, please contact:

Legal Deposit Unit
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
Ph: 02) 6262 1312
Fax: (02) 6273 4492
Email: legaldep@nla.gov.au
Internet: http://www.nla.gov.au/services/ldeposit.html

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10. Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP)

CIP is a free service offered by the National Library of Australia. It involves the preparation of a catalogue entry for an item before it is published. This CIP entry, which is derived from information supplied by publishers, appears in the printed item.

CIP entries are listed on the Libraries Australia database which is used extensively by libraries throughout Australia, and CIP information is also distributed to similar overseas databases. CIP entries for books are prepared by the CIP Unit while CIP entries for printed music items are prepared by the ISMN Agency. Music publishers requiring a CIP entry may indicate this when requesting an ISMN or notifying the Agency of allocation of an ISMN. A separate CIP form does not need to be completed to obtain a CIP entry for an item being allocated an ISMN.

CIP entries are supplied to publishers within 10 working days of receipt of a Request for ISMN form or a Notification of ISMN allocated form. Entries are supplied by email where it is available, or else by fax or mail.

11. Help completing application forms

11.1 ISMN registration form

Numbers used below correspond to numbers used on form. Forms can be completed online, or downloaded in Word or PDF formats. Alternatively, printed copies can be supplied by the Agency.

1. Publisher name
This is the name used to publish the work. It may be a trading name or a person's name if a work is self-published. The publisher name should appear on the item - eg. "Published by Brown's Music Business".

2. Former name/s
If the name of a publishing house has changed, the old name/s should be given here. This enables the Agency to link the entries on its database.

3. Abbreviations & acronyms
If the publishing house is also known by an abbreviation or an acronym, details should be given here.

4. Other name/s
If the publishing house operates under any other names (in addition to the name given in "Publisher name"), details should be given here - eg. a publisher may publish some items under one name but other items under a different name.

7. & 8. Phone/Fax
Include area code as well as subscriber number.

12. Publisher category
More than one category may be selected if appropriate. A commercial publisher is defined as an organisation or company publishing as a business. A self-publisher is defined as an individual who is responsible for making production decisions and for bearing the costs of publishing.

13. Type of music published
More than one category may be selected if appropriate.

14. Are you agreeable to the above details being made publicly available in the Australian Music Publishers Directory on the ISMN Agency website?
This directory is part of the ISMN database and comprises name, address and contact details of publishers registered with the Australian ISMN Agency. It is not a printed publication but is available electronically via the Australian ISMN Agency website.

15. Have you previously been assigned an ISMN publisher identifier?
A publisher identifier is a prefix assigned to a publisher who has registered with the ISMN Agency. (See 2.1.2 Publisher identifier in User Manual for more information). Each publisher identifier has a block of numbers attached to it. The minimum number of ISMNs in a block is ten. When a block of numbers has been used up, the publisher can apply for a new publisher identifier with a new block of numbers.

16. Are you prepared to be responsible for allocating your own ISMNs from a block assigned to you?
By registering with the ISMN Agency, most publishers accept responsibility for allocating ISMNs to their publications. The Agency assigns a publisher identifier and a block of numbers, and the publisher then allocates the numbers as needed. These publishers are termed "self-allocating" publishers. (See 4.2 Self-allocating publishers and 4.3 Non-participating publishers in User Manual for more information).

17. No. of items published per year
This information is used by the ISMN Agency to determine the size of the block of ISMNs that should be allocated to you. It is therefore essential that questions on number of items published and size of backlists are answered as fully as possible. The figure only needs to be approximate and it is recognised that it is only an estimate.

18. Do you intend to allocate ISMNs to items on the backlist?
Backlist items which are still available may be allocated ISMNs which can then be included in the publisher's catalogue. The items do not need to have the ISMN written/stuck on them but if they are reprinted, the ISMN should then be on the item.

19. If yes, size of backlist
This figure also assists the Agency in deciding how many ISMNs may be needed in a year, especially if the publisher indicates that ISMNs will be allocated to items on the backlist. Only titles which are still available should be allocated ISMNs.

20. How do you want your block of ISMNs delivered to you?
This question only applies to publishers who are self-allocating and therefore responsible for allocating their own ISMNs from the block assigned to them.

21. Contact person
This is the name of the person based at the publishing address who will be responsible for managing the ISMNs assigned to the publisher. This person will be responsible for assigning numbers to publications, for keeping a register of ISMNs that have been assigned, and for providing title and publishing output information to the Agency.

22. Any other information or comments
Publishers may include anything they consider may be useful for the Agency to know. Alternatively, they may use this section to include questions and the Agency will then contact them to provide the answers.

11.2 Request for ISMN / Notification of ISMN allocated forms

Numbers used below correspond to numbers used on forms.

3. Publisher identifier
This is assigned to publishers when they register with the ISMN Agency. A publisher must have a publisher identifier before requesting an ISMN or allocating an ISMN. Publishers who have not yet registered may do so by completing the ISMN registration form.

4. Availability address for item
This is only required if item is not available from publisher's address - eg. if it is available from a printer or distributor.

7. Composer's full name & life dates
This information is required for the catalogue record created for the item on the National Bibliographic Database so that the composer can be distinguished from other people of the same name.

8. Names, dates (if available) and functions of other persons associated with item
These may include compilers, editors, arrangers, authors, translators, etc. Their name/s should appear on the item. If more than three people are responsible for the item, only the first three names need be given. Please give dates of birth where known. This question does not include people associated with the actual publishing of the item.

10. Place of publication
Place where publisher has main office, not place of printing. If a publisher has separate offices in different places, the place which will appear on the item should be given.

11. Publication date
Month and year is sufficient for an estimated publication date. If the item is part of a back list, the year of publication is sufficient.

12. Price
Recommended retail price. If item will be available free of charge, "gratis" should be given.

13. Publisher's own reference no.
Numbering designation assigned to an item by a publisher, appearing normally only on the title page, the cover, and/or the first page of music. It may include initials, abbreviations, or words identifying the publisher - eg. "Publisher's no.: 6139".

14. Edition
A first publication or new version of a work. (See 6. Application of the ISMN in User Manual for further information). Minor corrections do not constitute a new version but actual changes/additions do in which case a new ISMN is required.

15. Version
If a publisher issues a title in more than one arrangement or version, each arrangement or version should be assigned its own ISMN. (See 6.4 Different versions in User Manual for examples).

16. Physical description
This should include how many components the title contains, what they are and may also include how many pages the main component contains - eg. "48 page score and 3 parts". It may also include information about binding - eg. hardback, paperback.

17. Series title & no.
If the publication is part of a series and if the series title will appear prominently on the item, the title should be given here. If the item is numbered in the series, the number should also be given.

18. Is the title part of a multi-volume publication?
Multi-volume publications comprise a publication that is complete, or intended to be complete, in a finite number of separate parts. Serials are NOT multi-volume publications because they are intended to be continued indefinitely. (See 6.5 Multi-volume publications in User Manual for further information).

19. Has this title or any part of it been allocated an ISBN or an ISSN?
Some items are eligible for an ISBN or an ISSN in addition to an ISMN. (See 8.2 ISBN, 8.3 ISSN and 6.5 Multi-volume publications in User Manual for further information).

20. Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) entry
A CIP entry is a catalogue entry for an item which has not yet been published. The entry is derived from information supplied by the publisher and is forwarded to the publisher by email, fax or mail. The entry should be printed in the item when it is published under the heading "National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry". A separate CIP form does not need to be completed to obtain a CIP entry for an item being allocated an ISMN.

21. Item details
Choose whichever category most accurately describes the item. More than one category may be ticked if appropriate.

22. Parts of title available separately
This is a complex area of assigning ISMNs and it is suggested that you contact the Agency to discuss it if your item falls into this category. (See 6.3.3 Parts available separately and the following four sections of the User Manual for further information).

23. Any other information or comments
Publishers may include anything they consider may be useful for the Agency to know about the item. Alternatively, they may use this section to include questions and the Agency will then contact them to provide the answers.

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12. Guidelines for publishers registered with the ISMN Agency

Being registered with the Australian ISMN Agency involves certain responsibilities on the part of the publisher as well as on the part of the Agency.

The Agency undertakes to:

  1. issue, free of charge, publisher identifiers (prefixes) to publishers on receipt of an official "ISMN Registration" form.
    • Each publisher identifier will be accompanied by a block of numbers for the publisher to allocate to publications.
    • Each number will include a check digit as the final digit.
    • The length of the publisher identifier and therefore the size of the block of the numbers will be determined by the Agency based on information from the publisher as to size of output and available backstock.

  2. take on the responsibility for allocating individual ISMNs if publishers are unable or unwilling to take on the responsibility. A publisher identifier will still be assigned to the publisher but the block of numbers will be retained by the Agency, who will allocate numbers progressively from the block whenever the publisher submits a "Request for new ISMN" form.

  3. create catalogue records on the National Bibliographic Database for all items allocated ISMNs.

  4. advise the International ISMN Agency in Berlin on a regular basis of names, addresses, contact numbers and publisher identifiers of all registered publishers. This information will be included in the Music publishers' international ISMN directory.

  5. provide advice and assistance to publishers to help them with the ISMN system and to ensure that the standards and approved procedures are followed.

The Publisher undertakes to:

  1. provide necessary information as to size of likely output as well as available backstock so that the Agency can assign an appropriate publisher identifier and block of numbers.

  2. appoint one person within the company to be in charge of the allocation of ISMNs and the application of the relevant rules, and advise the Agency of this person's name.

  3. keep a register of ISMNs that have been allocated. The register should include the ISMN, author, title and format (where appropriate).

  4. notify the Agency of title details as soon as possible (no later than one month) after an ISMN is allocated. Notification should be via the "Notification of ISMN allocated" form unless the publisher is allocating a large number of ISMNs at one time, in which case an alternative method of notification may be agreed with the Agency.

  5. submit a "Request for new ISMN" form each time an ISMN is required (if the publisher does not allocate his/her own ISMNs).

  6. advise the Agency of any ISMNs wrongly allocated or cancelled for any reason.

  7. advise the Agency of any changes to title details after an ISMN has been allocated

  8. advise the Agency of any changes to publisher name, address or contact details, including a change of person in charge of allocating ISMNs.

  9. renumber an item within three days of notification by the Agency that the ISMN allocated is not a valid number, and advise the Agency of the new number.

  10. agree that in areas of uncertainty or dispute, the Agency's instructions will be adhered to with regard to number allocation.
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