Serial Numbers
The serial number field of an Pergamon Item is a number or set of alphanumeric characters that represent the all copies of an Item. In terms of a tranditional library therefore, the serial number would be an ISBN; while for a mechanical component, it may by a part number.
Because most numbers of this type are issued at an industry level, they have validation systems built into them. The standard ISBN for example, is based upon a division-by-11 checksum where the last digit is the calculated checksum figure (which is why it is the only character in the number that can be 1 to 9, or an 'X'). To ensure that a number is typed in correctly, Pergamon has a built-in validation system that examines the number once it has been typed (and the cursor leaves the field) and reports what type of serial number has been found.
If Pergamon reports that the format of the serial number is unknown therefore, the user can be sure that the number has been typed incorrectly, or the format is really a non-industry standard format that (currently) Pergamon is not aware of. Currently, the Ptolomy release of Pergamon understands the following standard formats:
- Tranditional ISBN
- Tranditional ISBN embedded (such as within EAN)
- ISBN-13
- ISBN-13 embedded
Additional local or special formats can be added internally or via external scripting mechanisms - contact Esferico for details.
