Madison, WI — September 10, 2025 — Mitinet, Inc., a leader in library metadata solutions, today announced the release of Variant ISBN™, a new feature within its BestMARC™ platform that helps libraries unify records, improve discoverability, and streamline collection development.

Variant ISBN™ automatically identifies and adds alternate ISBNs — representing the exact same content in different formats or bindings — to a library’s MARC records. This includes paperback, hardcover, library bound, and eBook editions, ensuring that all format variations of a title are connected in the catalog.

To maintain cataloging best practices, Variant ISBNs are added to MARC tag 024, preserving the integrity of the 020 tag for the primary ISBN. This approach ensures clean, standards‑compliant records while still surfacing all relevant editions for staff and patrons.

“Variant ISBN™ empowers libraries to make smarter acquisition decisions and ensures patrons can find the materials they need, regardless of format,” said Bart Fitzgerald, CEO/President at Mitinet. “By enhancing metadata and simplifying cataloging workflows, we’re helping libraries operate more efficiently and serve their communities better.”

Key Benefits of Variant ISBN™:

• Unified Records – Links all formats of the same title for cleaner, more accurate catalogs.
• Improved Discoverability – Patrons can find every available format of a title in one search.
• Acquisition Flexibility – Expands sourcing options across bindings and providers.
• Workflow Efficiency – Reduces manual ISBN research and record updates.
• Standards Compliance – Uses MARC tag 024 for variant ISBNs, preserving the 020 tag’s integrity.

Variant ISBN™ is available now to BestMARC Plus and BestMARC Global subscribers, integrating seamlessly into existing cataloging processes.