Bowker and Google to Optimize Identification, Cataloging and Discovery of Google Editions

“For Google, this decision was driven by the book industry’s strong reliance on the ISBN along with our partner-centric business and distribution models,” said Tom Turvey, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Google. “We look forward to working closely with Bowker, our publishing and retail partners and the ISBN Standards Community to ensure a stabilized and uniform approach to the cataloging, discovery and selling of Google Editions.”

Recently, the International ISBN Agency issued a position paper reinforcing that publishers should assign ISBNs to each separately available e-book format and supply their ISBNs to downstream intermediaries and channels. The paper also recognized that there are instances of compressed supply chains where an e-book in a particular format is available exclusively through a single channel, such as Kindle and Amazon, and that in those circumstances there is no requirement for an ISBN.

“Publishers, digital intermediaries and their trading partners continue to deal with an increasing array of e-book formats with specific features, attributes or restrictions. It makes the assignment of separate ISBNs to each format even more important for ensuring that the e-book ordered is the correct one for the user’s device or software platform,” said Brian Green, Executive Director of the International ISBN agency.

More information from the U.S. ISBN Agency regarding ISBN assignments to Google Editions can be accessed at www.isbn.org/google.

About Bowker
Bowker is the world's leading provider of bibliographic information management solutions designed to help publishers, booksellers, and libraries better serve their customers. The company is focused on developing various tools and products that make books easier for people to discover, evaluate, order, and experience, as well as providing services to publishers that help them better understand and meet the interests of readers worldwide. Bowker is a member of the ProQuest family of companies and is headquartered in New Providence, N.J., with additional operations in England and Australia. For more information, please visit www.bowker.com.