Adding ISBN-13s?

[Drace]

In a thread I started to clean up errors across a book, I noticed several of the translated editions from outside of the USA had their ISBN-10s, but were missing their ISBN-13s. I put that information in the thread, as well as what the ISBN-13s to add are. A librarian told me that they were unable to add the ISBN-13s. Is there any particular reason for this? Is it something only superlibrarians or staff can handle at this point?

[Scott]

If there is any data in the ISBN or ASIN fields, nothing else can be added to those fields.

[Drace]

Scott wrote: "If there is any data in the ISBN or ASIN fields, nothing else can be added to those fields."

Got it. Two follow-up questions:

1. Would it be possible for a superlibrarian to add the ISBN-13 by making a separate edition of the book with the ISBN-13 and no other information, then merging it with the edition that is missing it?

2. If not, would Staff be able to add it?

[Emmy]

As far as I know Staff can add the missing ISBN-13 in the existing booklisting.

[Scott]

1. No, because then the ISBN-10 would be lost.

2. They are your only hope.

[Drace]

I'll fire off a message to them. Thanks for the help, everyone.

[Renske]

1. A merge will never move book data between the editions, only the users are moved.

2. My requests for adding an ISBN are always answered quickly and correct by the staff. And sending a few in one request also never has been an issue.