Obtaining an ISBN or ISSN for your Publications
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. Up until the end of 2006 it was a 10 digit number, but from 1 January 2007 all ISBN numbers are now 13 digits long. The ISBN Agency is the national agency for the UK and Republic of Ireland. More information about ISBN’s can be found on this site.
What is the purpose of an ISBN?
An ISBN is a product number, used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes. It enables them to identify a particular publisher and allows the publisher to identify a specific edition of a specific title in a specific format within their output.
How do I get an ISBN?
Publishing with a commercial/academic publisher
If a commercial publisher is publishing your book then that publisher will assign the ISBN.
Publishing privately
The Library maintains a a range of ISBN numbers that be assigned to University publications. If you are publishing your book privately, and you wish to apply for an ISBN, please contact Monica Crump to receive an ISBN application form. Please note that your book must then denote National University of Ireland, Galway as its publisher.
What is an ISSN?
An ISSN is an 8-digit code which identifies a serial or journal publication, i.e. a publication issued in successive parts, having a common title, and intended to be continued indefinitely. If you are publishing a journal or any serial publication, you will maximise its visibility by assigning an ISSN to the journal.
How do I get an ISSN?
ISSNs are issued by The Irish ISSN Centre in the National Library of Ireland
Irish ISSN Centre
National Library of Ireland
Kildare St
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 6030351
Fax: (01) 6030289
