ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers)

The ISBN is a number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally.

The Publications Unit has been assigned a block of ISBNs by ISBN Australia for allocation to items published within UWA by staff of the University.

New 13-digit format

From 1 January 2007 all ISBNs must conform to the new 13-digit format.

When existing publications that have a 10-digit ISBN are reprinted, they are required to use the corresponding 13-digit format of their original ISBN. Note, this is not a new ISBN, but the same ISBN with a prefix (978) added and a revised final checking digit. To obtain the 13-digit format for an ISBN which you were allocated prior to 2007, email isbn@uwa.edu.au with your original ISBN.

Do I need an ISBN?

For all information relating to ISBNs, such as whether you need to have an ISBN for your publication, go to the ISBN Australia web site and in particular the FAQs page.

Applying for an ISBN

To apply for an ISBN, complete the online ISBN Application Form. The information required on the form includes:

• Contact details of the applicant
• Billing details for payment
• Type of publication
• Name of author(s)
• Title of publication

ISBNs will be allocated within one or two working days. The cost of an ISBN from the Publications Unit is $15.

Legal Deposit

All items published within UWA are required by law to be deposited with the following public collections:

• Legal Deposit Unit, National Library of Australia
• Battye Library, State Library of Western Australia
• Information Resources Access Management, UWA Library

The copy sent to the UWA Library will be housed in the Scholar's Centre University Collection.

ISSNs (International Standard Serial Numbers)

The Publications Unit does not allocate ISSNs. Visit the Australian ISSN Agency for information and application procedures for an ISSN.

Contact Us

Enquiries regarding ISBNs can be directed to isbn@uwa.edu.au.