International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) and International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSNs) are unique identification numbers for published materials.

We can:

  • allocate ISBNs to material produced by staff and students of The University of Queensland and published by the University and its departments
  • provide advice to UQ staff on methods of publishing, publication impact and copyright

Which identifier suits your publication need, ISBN or ISSN?

An ISBN is allocated to:

  • printed books and pamphlets
  • online publications
  • book readings on cassettes
  • microfiche publications
  • computer software
  • educational videos
  • multi-media kits containing printed material

Check the ISBN Users' Manual (PDF, 500 KB, opens in new window) for more examples of publications to which ISBNs are assigned.

An ISSN is allocated to:

  • Newspapers, journals and magazines
  • Newsletters
  • Annual reports
  • Monographs in series may be eligible

More information about ISSNs

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Request an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

Email Scholarly Publishing, scholarlypublishing@library.uq.edu.au, to request an ISBN. Be sure to include:

  1. The full publication title (and indicate if it is final or provisional)
  2. Author(s) of the publication

By return email we will provide:

  1. your ISBN for immediate use
  2. information on how to finalise the registration process for your publication

You also need to meet the Australian legal deposit requirements below.

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Request an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

ISSNs are requested from the National Library of Australia. Complete the Australian ISSN Application form to request an ISSN.

You also need to meet the Australian legal deposit requirements below.

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Legal deposit requirements

Your final step of registering your publication is to ensure its legal deposit with the National Library of Australia and relevant Libraries in Queensland: 

For electronic publications, you can deposit once through the National edeposit (NED) service.

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ISBNs for non-UQ publications

The Library cannot allocate ISBNs for non-UQ publications. 

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Help & advice

Contact us for advice on methods of publishing, publication impact and copyright.

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