A couple questions about my API to convert 10 digit ISBNs to 13 digits pointed out somethings I failed to mention earlier.

First, the API actually works both ways. That is, it identifies and validates both 10 and 13 digit ISBNs on input, and returns both versions in the output. Example: 0811822842 and 978081182284-8.

And, as yet, I have no user agreement or usage policy. Except for the disclaimer — don’t blame me if it’s broke — I’m leaving this open (though I’ll probably have to figure something out for future APIs).

Finally, if all you want is a one-time conversion of a list of ISBN’s, you might find Dave Pattern’s solution a bit easier.

update: EdJohnston’s notes about why the ISBN1013 API can’t be linked from the Wikipedia ISBN page.

api, conversion, converter, international standard book numbers, isbn, isbn-13, isbn1013, libraries, library, web service

David Kane asked the web4libbers:

Can anyone tell me what the conversion between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 is, please. I need to write a little conversion program. Anything in PHP, for example.

Answers:

“There is already an online converter: http://www.isbn.org/converterpub.asp;” some pointing at Wikipedia on ISBNs, Bookland, and EANs; John Blyberg’s PHP port of the PERL ISBN-10/13 tool; some explanation that you have to watch the check digit, and discussion about why you’d need to do all this conversion.

Finally, Tim asked:

Someone should offer single and batch converstion as a free API, not an online form and an offer to have a “representive” call you for larger jobs.

Does anyone want that, or shall I?

And I answered:

http://api.wpopac.net/v1/isbn1013/0811822842 changed: http://api.scriblio.net/v01a/isbn1013/0811822842

Same usage as xISBN and thingISBN. Returns empty result on invalid ISBNs.

Based on Blyberg’s code, incorporates some changes, may not be accurate. Poke at it, break it. Report findings, but don’t blame me if it returns incorrect results (I will try to fix the code/service, though).

Geeky extra: anybody know the Lat and Lon to Bookland? I’d really like to put this post on the map.

bookland, conversion, converter, ean, international standard book numbers, isbn, isbn-13, isbn1013, libraries, library, web service, xisbn