Skip to main content

Publishing

Library Search

ISBNs and ISSNs

If you are publishing a monograph, conference proceedings, report or other ‘book type’ you can register it with an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) or for a series you can assign an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). ISBNs/ISSNs are not essential for publication and they convey no form of legal or copyright protection however for identification purposes you may find it useful to assign one to your publication.

What is an ISBN?

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number allocated to print or electronic books, reports, conference proceedings and other publications which are not expected to be repeated on a regular basis. Some types of publication are not eligible: These include Music scores, calendars, diaries and computer application packages. An ISBN is assigned before publication so that it can be printed on the publication's title page; however, there is no legal requirement to have an ISBN. 

Why assign an ISBN?

Obtaining an ISBN is advantageous as they can be assigned to both print and electronic publications, they are internationally recognised, and details are available to publishers, libraries and retailers for ordering and stock control purposes. They are unique product numbers, which identifies your publication.

How do I obtain an ISBN?

Newcastle University is registered as a publisher with the UK ISBN Agency and we hold a number of ISBNs that can be issued to university publications.

Criteria for obtaining an ISBN
  • Newcastle University is identified as the publisher of the work.
  • The request is made by a current member of staff who is a contributor to the work.
  • The publications meets the UK ISBN Agency requirements for ISBN allocation (https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/Home/Isbn)
  • If the publication is in print format the requestor/author will send one hard copy of their publication to the British Legal Deposit Office within one month of publication (and supply copies to the other legal deposit libraries if requested).
  • If the publication is in electronic format the requestor/author will send one digital copy as an email attachment to [email protected].
What is an ISSN?

An International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an internationally accepted eight-digit serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication.  

Why assign an ISSN?

Publishers, libraries, subscription agents and retailers use ISSNs to keep a record of and distinguish between serial titles (especially those with the same title). An ISSN does not protect or confer copyright of the serial, nor is it connected with ownership, Under the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003 and the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, all publications, including individual issues of serials, must be deposited with the British Library whether they carry an ISSN or not. 

How do I obtain an ISSN?

The ISSN network is coordinated by the International Centre in Paris, with eighty national centres worldwide. Obtaining an ISSN is free and in the UK can be issued in advance of publication from the ISSN UK Centre. A link to the application form can be found on the British Library website [http://www.bl.uk/bibliographic/issn.html] 

Contact: [email protected]