University Library

ISBNs and University publications

This is a service for members of the University of Melbourne community. The National Library of Australia has kindly permitted the use of information contained in The ISBN Agency Australia

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique code for the identification of books, which is used whenever information on books needs to be recorded or communicated.

ISBNs for University of Melbourne publications are allocated by the University Library.

Advantages of the ISBN

As a unique code assigned to a book, an ISBN can be used to identify books

It simplifies processing of book orders and receipts through the identification of

Structure of an ISBN

ISBNs are always 13 digits long and are divided into five parts. They should always be printed exactly as given:

ISBN 978 0 17 006737 8
ISBN 978 0 949155 09 8
ISBN 978 1 96252 140 9

When to use an ISBN

What publications should receive ISBNs?

An ISBN should be assigned to:

An ISBN should be assigned the first time a book is published.
A separate ISBN must be assigned to every edition of a book, but not to an unchanged reprint of the same book.
A reissued book is considered a different edition if, for instance,

An ISBN should be assigned to the whole set of volumes of a multi-volume work, as well as to each individual volume in the set.
If an item from a publisher's back stock was not assigned an ISBN when it was originally published, and is being reprinted, then the reprint should be assigned an ISBN which should be printed on it.

What publications should not receive ISBNs?

do not receive an ISBN, but are given an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).

A brochure on ISSN is available from the Australian ISSN Agency, National Library of Australia. Telephone: (02) 6262-1213.
E-Mail: isbn@nla.gov.au

How to apply for an ISBN

Request individual ISBNs as required by completing the ISBN Application Form

University departments may request a sequence of ISBNs for allocation to future publications.
The department requesting a batch of sequenced ISBNs accepts full responsibility for the accurate recording of publications and ensuring this information is forwarded to Sherree Evans at Information Access - Monograph Team; Information Services:

When you have received your ISBN print the ISBN on

If it is not possible to print the ISBN in the preferred locations listed above, print it in some prominent position on the book.
The ISBN should also be printed on the dust jacket (if any).

Legal Deposit

The University is required to send one copy (Legal Deposit) of every work that has been reproduced and supplied (whether by sale or otherwise) to the public to

The University Library has a special collection that aims to include all publications published within the University.

We would appreciate a copy of each publication sent to the Library for inclusion in this collection.

What is Legal Deposit?

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.

Under the Copyright Act, 1968 and various State legislation, a copy of any work published in Australia must be deposited with the National Library of Australia and the appropriate State Library. In New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, a copy must also be deposited with one or more other specified libraries.

Legal deposit extends not only to commercial publishers but also to private individuals, clubs, churches, societies and organisations.

What are the benefits of Legal Deposit?

Legal deposit ensures that the works of authors and publishers will survive for the use of future generations, because the National Library and most other deposit libraries assume an obligation to preserve all material lodged with them.
The comprehensive collections of Australian publications formed in this way provide the means for research into all aspects of Australian life, culture, and artistic, commercial, technical and scientific endeavour. 

Legal Deposit requirements for University publications

The University is required to send each of the following libraries one copy of every work that has been reproduced and supplied (whether by sale or otherwise) to the public

The University Library has a special collection that aims to include all publications published within the University and would appreciate a copy of each publication sent to the Library for inclusion in this collection.

Technically a work intended for the public (i.e. an audience outside the University) can include almost any printed item that be considered library material:

In practice, the two libraries do not pursue the whole range of publications. The State Library, for example:

Legal deposit is quite separate from book/serial numbering and applies whether or not an ISBN/ISSN has been assigned

Copyright

for advice to authors and publishers on copyright contact
The Australian Copyright Council
Suite 3, 245 Chalmers Street
Redfern NSW 2016
Toll-free telephone (008) 226 103 or (02) 318 1788

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