What is an ISMN code
If you have come across the abbreviation ISMN in a music context, it was probably in an area that does not directly concern digital distribution. Still, it is good to know what it is – especially if you also publish printed music or work with publishers.
What does ISMN identify?
Just as an ISBN identifies books, an ISMN uniquely identifies a printed music edition – scores, collections, songbooks, instrument tutors and the like. It does not apply to sound recordings.
What does the format look like?
An ISMN has 13 digits and always starts with the prefix 979-0, which is reserved worldwide for printed music:
■ Prefix (always 979-0) ■ Publisher code + item code ■ Check digit
Who assigns ISMNs?
Music identifiers compared
| ISMN | ISRC | ISWC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does it identify? | Printed music | A sound recording | A musical work (composition) |
| Who gets the code? | The music publisher | The producer of the recording | The author / OSA |
| Assigned by | National Library of the Czech Republic | Intergram / Bez Labelu | CISAC / OSA |
| Relevant to Bez Labelu distribution? | No | Yes | Indirectly |
When distributing music through Bez Labelu, you neither fill in nor need an ISMN. It applies exclusively to printed music editions. If you publish printed music, contact the National Library of the Czech Republic or the relevant music publisher.
Read our articles on the ISRC code (recording identifier), the ISWC code (composition identifier) or the UPC/EAN code (release identifier).