International Standard Book Number (ISBN) Requests & Legal Deposit
What is an ISBN?
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and media products published internationally.
An ISBN should be obtained for printed books and reports, annual reports, online publications and multimedia items containing printed material which are intended to be made accessible to the public. A new edition is given a new number. Serials, whether in print or online, are eligible for an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
Who can use this service? Is there a cost?
An ISBN for use on a South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) publication can be obtained free of charge from Library staff at the Ken Merten Library, Liverpool Hospital.
International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSNs) can also be arranged free of charge through the Ken Merten Library at Liverpool Hospital.
What is the policy for Legal Deposit?
In accordance with NSW Health Policy Directive PD2005_400 and SWSLHD_Proc2019_030 Legal Deposit and International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), all SWSLHD publications that are intended to be made available to or are accessible by the public, whether or not an ISBN is required or has been acquired, must be deposited.
Specifically, legal deposit requires:
- Six (6) copies to be sent to specified libraries.
- Notification of all networked electronic publications to be sent to specified libraries.
Who do I send my publication to?
Publications should be forwarded directly to the Ken Merten Library, Liverpool Hospital who will manage the distribution to the specified libraries / information services.
As the designated Library within the District for legal deposit, the Ken Merten Library will retain one (1) copy of each publication. This ensures that SWSLHD publications will be available, accessible and preserved for future consultation.
Library staff at the Ken Merten Library will also submit the publication information to the Australian ISBN Agency for inclusion in the Books in Print database.