020 International Standard Book Number (R) (Variable Data Field)

Field definition and scope:

Field 020 contains the International Standard Book Number (ISBN ), the terms of availability, and any canceled or invalid ISBN.

Each field 020 contains all the information relevant to one ISBN, or if no ISBN exists, relevant to one item. Field 020 is repeated for multiple numbers that refer to different editions of a work (e.g., ISBNs for the hard bound and paperback editions).

The initialism ISBN, the phrase ISBN (invalid), and the hyphens embedded in the number are not carried in the MARC record. (The ISBN is an agency-assigned data element .)

The National level record requirement for this field is Mandatory if applicable.

Field 020 is repeatable .

Guidelines for applying content designators:

For indicator and subfield code definitions and examples, National-level (NLR) and Minimal-level (MLR) record requirements , and designator repeatability , see table below:

Input conventions:

ISBN structure

Punctuation

Display constants

Content designator history:

Prior to 1977, field 020 was not repeatable and multiple ISBNs and related information were contained in repeatable subfields $a, $b, and $c.

Subfield $b - Binding information (BK MP MU) [obsolete]: Prior to 1978, binding information was separately subfield coded. In 1978, binding information became a parenthetical qualifier of the ISBN and subfield $b was made obsolete.

Subfield $c - Terms of availability [defined]: Prior to the definition of subfield $c in 1974, bibliographic price information was contained in field 350 (Price) .

Related MARC fields or documents:

880 Alternate Graphic Representation

Information and Documentation - International Standard Book Numbering (ISBN) (ISO 2108)

Library of Congress Rule Interpretations

See also:

0XX Numbers and Codes

Variable Data Fields