ISBN Annual Panel Meeting

The 28th ISBN Annual Panel Meeting was held in Berlin, Germany from October 22 to 25 this year. The 50 participants represented 33 countries of every size and continent, from the huge U.S. to the tiny Faeroe Islands. The ISBN Executive Committee convened twice during the meeting to discuss topics of the plenary meeting and review the results of the conference. Several workshops were held on October 23 to provide tutorials and opportunities for participants to exchange ideas on such issues as the extension of the 10-digit ISBN to 13 digits. Discussion also centered on current and future metadata requirements of ISBN agencies, and the benefits and problems of collecting data from publishers. The plenary meeting on October 24 included a status report of the International Agency, progress reports of the various ISBN agencies, and International Standard Textural Work Code.