Getting an ISBN

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a number that uniquely identifies a book. It is used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering and stock control purposes.

UCD Library is authorised to issue ISBNs for books, reports, conference proceedings, etc., that are published by University College Dublin, or its colleges and schools.

To issue an ISBN we need your details and the details of the publication, including:

• author / editor
• title
• issuing college / school
• expected date of publication

We can usually provide you with an ISBN within one working day, and there is no charge for this service.

Apply now: fill out the online query form or contact the team for further queries and information.

ISBN and commercial publishers

If your book is being published by a commercial publisher, they will assign an ISBN to it.

ISBN and publishing privately

If you are publishing your book privately, and wish to apply for an ISBN, contact:

UK ISBN Agency, run by Nielsen Book.
Tel: +44 (0)1483 712 215
Email: isbn.agency@nielsen.com
Website: www.isbn.nielsenbook.co.uk

ISSN - for journals and magazines

An International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit number that uniquely identifies a serial publication. They are used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering and stock control purposes. We strongly recommend that the publisher/editor of a periodical apply for an ISSN. This can be done retrospectively, even if it has been some time since the journal the periodical was first published.

Apply to:
The Irish ISSN Centre,
National Library of Ireland,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.
Email: issnirl@nli.ie
Web: www.nli.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 603 0351