Market Areas

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a clear identification number for books, and applies to any monographic publication in printed, non-printed and mixed media formats. The ISBN system is administered on an international, national and publisher level. Participating publishers not only support, but also contribute to the practical ISBN uses in the publishing sector, distribution centres, bookshops and libraries. Guidance in the application of ISBN is provided in the ISBN Users Manual and should you wish to apply for an ISBN, you can do so by contacting the ISN (International Standard Numbering) Agency of South Africa. You will also find useful ISBN information there.

The International standard, ISO 2108: Information and documentation * International Standard Book Number specifies the ISBN. Help with ISBNs in South Africa is at hand. The National ISN (International Standard Numbering) Agency, situated at the National Library of South Africa, is officially responsible for advice and handling your queries. Kindly contact Magret Kibido at NLSA as follows:

Tel: (012) 401 9718
Fax: (012) 325 5984
Mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The 13-digit ISBN will be identical to the EAN-13 bar code