In the U.S. the barcodes are separate from the ISBN numbers. Different agencies. Layne -----Original Message----- From: Poetryetc provides a venue for a dialogue relating to poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 1:16 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [POETRYETC] Self-publication -- a costting. you get an ISBN by writing to UK International Standard Book Numbering Agency 12 Dyott Street London WC1A 1DF T: 0171 836 8911 F: 0171 836 4342 It's very funky! They send you barcode stickers! But if I remember rightly (from Hot Fish Press) you _have to_ have a thousand of them. Members of the collective considered getting our bar-code tatooed on our left cheeks! Then the British Library writes to you and asks for their copies - which you are obliged to send within a certain time....... that's when it hits you what you have done! hope that's helpful Liz