International Standard Music Numbers (ISMN)

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About ISMNs

The International Standard Music Number (ISMN) is an internationally recognized 13-digit code that uniquely identifies a musical score or sheet music in print or digital format. ISMNs are used in the industry for the sale and distribution of notated music. Booksellers, libraries and the music industry use ISMNs to track or process publications.

Eligible Canadian publishers may request numbers from ISMN Canada for free. Use the same ISMN in each country where you sell your publications.

Parts of an ISMN

The number starts with "ISMN" followed by a space. The number consists of 13 digits, appearing as 4 groups of variable length separated by a hyphen. The parts of an ISMN are as follows in this order:

Example

ISMN 979-0-XXXXXX-XX-X

ISMNs and copyright

Having an ISMN does not mean that you have registered copyright. Contact the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for information about copyright.

Obtaining barcodes

Contact your printer or graphic designer, or visit the GS1 Canada website for more information.

Eligible publishers

ISMNs are free to Canadian publishers and self-publishers that:

Eligible items

ISMNs are used for published notated music in print or digital formats, such as:

These items are not eligible for ISMNs:

Apply for an ISMN

Contact ISMN Canada

Mailing address

ISMN Canada
Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa ON
Canada
K1A 0N4

Telephone
819-994-6872
Telephone (Toll-free in Canada and the U.S.)
1-866-578-7777 (select 1, 6, 3)
Email
ismn@bac-lac.gc.ca

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