Abstract / scope
Specifies a means of uniquely identifying printed music publications. Standardizes and promotes internationally the use of numbers on printed music publications in order that one edition of a title or one separate component of an edition can be distinguished from all other editions or components by means of a unique international standard music number made up of the following elements: preceded by the letters ISMN, the letter M as a prefix, a publisher identifier, an item identifier, a check digit. Also specifies the location of the number on printed music publications.