ISBN number

ISBN is an international identification number for books and book-related publications. The abbreviation stands for International Standard Book Number, which is standard no. 2108 from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Each number is unique and the main purpose of the international book numbering system is to distinguish each publication from others as best as possible. With uniform numbering of publications, opportunities for increased use of computers are created, both by book publishers, booksellers and libraries.

The National Library of Iceland – University Library is an agent for the international book numbering system. Distribution and information services are provided to publishers free of charge. In return, they are required to return copies to the library in accordance with the Act on Legal Deposit. Each publisher is assigned a number sequence that includes their publisher number or individual book numbers if a few titles or only one book are to be published. It is monitored that book numbers are used correctly. A register of Icelandic publishers is compiled, which is part of an international register, the Global Register of Publishers .

Newspapers, magazines and sheet music should not be assigned an ISBN number, but should be assigned an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and an International Standard Music Number (ISMN). The National Library of Iceland – University Library is also an agent for these international numbering systems (see ISSN and ISMN).

You can send an email to isbn@landsbokasafn.is for further information.

Rules for the use of ISBN numbers (.pdf)
Application form for ISBN/ISSN and ISMN
Application form for an ISBN number for a doctoral thesis from the University of Iceland