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How to obtain an ISBN or an ISSN
Obtain an ISBN or ISSN by completing the Victorian Government Library Service (VGLS) ISBN request online form and VGLS will email you the required number.
What is an ISBN/ISSN?
ISBNs and ISSNs are unique identifiers that are allocated to all publications prior to publishing. This applies to all Departmentally produced publications that will be distributed externally.
- International Standard Book Number (ISBN) –unique identifier number allocated to a title or an edition.
- International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) –unique number for each title produced as a serial or series - the ISSN identifies the serial or series, not the individual issue.
After publishing, copies of the publication should be forwarded to VGLS for inclusion in the Whole of Victorian Government library collection and for legal deposit obligations.
Making changes to an existing publication? New ISBNs / ISSNs are required for:-
- Revised or new editions of a title
- Different drafts of reports
- Changes to the title or format
Identification of external or internal publications requiring ISBNs/ISSNs
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Examples of external publication requiring an ISBN/ISSN |
Examples of internal publication NOT requiring ISBNs/ISSNs |
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Pamphlet / brochure / fact sheet containing information for the public |
Advertising posters |
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CD of maps or documents |
Calendars |
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Video providing information (not advertisements) |
Milestone reports not made available to the public |
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Multimedia kits |
Consultant reports |
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Reports |
Internal reports or presentations |
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Online publications in PDF or Word format |
Internal training guides |
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Regulatory impact statements |
Online publications in HTML format only |
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Annual reports |
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Maps |
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Departmental newsletters |
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How do I request a ISBNs/ISSNs?
- Complete your document until printing stage.
- Request an ISBN/ISSN online using the ISBN request online form
The ISBN will be e-mailed to you (usually within 24 hours). ISSNs are also available however, as they are allocated from the National Library of Australia, this may take a few days.
- Contact your Department’s communication/publication area for the correct logos and further information or assistance.
- Check that you have the correct copyright statement and disclaimer.
Legal deposit obligations
Legal deposit is a statutory provision which obliges publishers to deposit copies of their publications in libraries in the country in which they are published.
In Victoria, legal deposit is required under the Victorian Libraries Act 1988, s49. The Act requires the deposit within two months of every new publication published in Victoria.
Print and other hardcopy format publications
After printing you must provide five5 copies to be distributed to the following libraries:
- 2 copies for the Victorian Government Library Service - 1 copy for lending, 1 copy for the departmental archive
- 1 copy Victorian Parliamentary Library
- 1 copy National Library of Australia
- 1 copy State Library of Victoria
Send all copies to:
Registrar of Publications
Knowledge Resource Centre
607 Sneydes Road,
Werribee 3030
DX 210726
Serial publications
Serial publications include newsletters, magazines, annual reports etc. Copies of each issue must be supplied according to the above requirements. The supplied ISSN must be included on every issue.
Electronic publications
If you are producing a publication in electronic format for distribution by the internet and/or email you must provide a copy to the Knowledge Resource Centre for inclusion in the digital archive of departmental publications. PDF or other electronic format publications should be emailed to vgls.collections@dtf.vic.gov.au
Further information
Please contact VGLS on:
eForm: Ask a librarian
