scope:

This International Standard specifies the elements to be included in bibliographic references to published monographs and serials, to chapters, articles, etc. in such publications and to patent documents. It sets out a prescribed order for the elements of the reference and establishes conventions for the transcription and presentation of information derived from the source publication.

This International Standard is intended for use by authors and editors in the compilation of references for inclusion in a bibliography, and in the formulation of citations within the text corresponding to the entries in that bibliography. It does not apply to full bibliographic descriptions as required by librarians, descriptive and analytical bibliographers, indexers, etc.

This International Standard covers references to published material in both print and non-print form. It does not, however, apply to references to manuscripts or other unpublished material.