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Open Science & Research Services

ISBN/ISSN Application

📌 NTU members who wish to apply for an ISBN or ISSN may contact the Library for assistance.

For detailed information, refer to the respective tabs above. ☝️


Understanding ISBN, ISSN, CIP & Legal Deposit

This guide provides NTU members with essential information on ISBN, ISSN, Legal Deposit, and CIP, based on the official guidelines from the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore. Each section outlines the purpose, benefits, and application process for these services, supporting the identification, cataloguing, and accessibility of publications in Singapore.


📩 Need Assistance?

 Send us your enquiry. Select the dropdown option that contains 'IDs'.

Request for ISBN

NTU members may request an ISBN for an upcoming book publication by submitting the [online request form].

📌 Review Process: The NTU Library will review the request and notify the requestor of the outcome via email.
🔗 Check Eligibility: Refer to the [ISBN Eligibility FAQs] for criteria.
 


ISBN (International Standard Book Number) in Singapore

The ISBN in Singapore is issued by the National Library Board (NLB). It serves as a unique identifier for books and monographic publications, ensuring efficient cataloguing and distribution within the national and global book trade.


Key Functions of ISBN 

📘 Identifies Editions & Formats – Differentiates between various editions, including hardcover, paperback, and digital formats published in Singapore.
🏛 Supports Libraries & Book Trade – Facilitates cataloguing in library systems, as well as distribution to bookstores and academic institutions.
📊 Tracks Sales & Distribution – Helps publishers, retailers, and institutions monitor book circulation locally and internationally.


Benefits of ISBN (Singapore)

Improves Discoverability of Singapore Publications – Ensures books published by NTU and other institutions are searchable in local and international databases.
📚 Ensures Proper Classification in Bibliographic Records – Enables accurate listing in library catalogues and book industry databases.
🌍 Facilitates Global & National Distribution – Expands the reach of Singapore-published books through bookstores, libraries, and online platforms.


Source of Information

The above details are based on the official National Library Board (NLB) guidelines for ISBN issuance in Singapore. For full details and application instructions, visit:

🔗 NLB – ISBN FAQ

Request for ISSN

NTU members may request an ISSN for an upcoming serial publication (e.g., journal, conference proceeding) using the [online request form].

📌 Review Process: The NTU Library will review the request and notify the requestor of the outcome via email.
 


ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) in Singapore

The ISSN in Singapore is issued by the National Library Board (NLB) and serves as a unique identifier for serial publications, ensuring efficient cataloguing, tracking, and management within the national and global publishing ecosystem.


Key Functions of ISSN (NLB Singapore)

📖 Tracks Serial Publications – Used by libraries, databases, and subscription services in Singapore to monitor serial publications.
🔍 Enables Efficient Management – Streamlines the organisation and access to journal issues across Singaporean institutions.
🖥 Distinguishes Formats – Differentiates between print and electronic versions of serials published in Singapore.


Benefits of ISSN (Singapore)

Enhances Discoverability – Ensures that Singapore-published serials (e.g., NTU journals) are easily searchable.
📑 Facilitates Indexing – Supports inclusion in NLB’s catalogue and global academic repositories, increasing visibility.
📊 Supports Research Impact – Aids in citation tracking and analysis, helping assess the scholarly influence of Singapore-based publications.


Source of Information

The above details are based on the official National Library Board (NLB) guidelines for ISSN issuance in Singapore. For full details and application instructions, visit:

🔗 NLB – ISSN Request Information
https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/services/for-publishers/request-for-issn

Legal Deposit Requirements at NLB

Under the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore’s Legal Deposit scheme, all publishers and authors must deposit copies of their works for long-term preservation.

📌 Deposit Requirements:

  • Print Publications – Two copies must be submitted to NLB.
  • Electronic Publications – One copy must be submitted to NLB.

Key Functions of Legal Deposit (NLB Singapore)

📜 Preserves Singapore’s Published Works – Ensures long-term accessibility to books, journals, and research materials produced in Singapore.
📚 Enhances Singapore’s National Bibliographic Control – Supports the maintenance of comprehensive national and institutional records of published works.


Benefits of Legal Deposit (NLB Singapore)

Preserves Singapore’s Research and Literary Heritage – Safeguards NTU’s and other institutions’ scholarly and creative contributions for future generations.
🌍 Strengthens Singapore’s National Archives – Contributes to the country’s academic and historical record within local and international research communities.
Ensures Compliance with Singapore’s Legal Requirements – Meets the mandatory legal and institutional obligations for academic and commercial publishing.


For Assistance

📩 Send us your enquiry. Select the dropdown option that contains 'IDs'.


Source of Information

The above details are based on the official National Library Board (NLB) guidelines for Legal Deposit in Singapore. 

🔗 NLB – Legal Deposit FAQ

Request for CIP (Singapore)

NTU members who require a Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) record for an upcoming publication may contact the Open Science & Research Services Team via AskaLibrarian. Select the dropdown option that contains 'IDs'.


CIP (Cataloguing in Publication)

CIP is a bibliographic record created before a book is published, enabling efficient cataloguing and accessibility within library systems. 


Key Functions of CIP

📚 Prepares Metadata in Advance – Provides essential details (title, author, subject, classification) before publication.
🏛 Aids Library Cataloguing – Assists libraries in organising and processing new books efficiently.


Benefits of CIP 

Accelerates Library Processing – Speeds up book classification and shelving in libraries.
🔍 Enhances Accessibility and Visibility – Improves discoverability in wider library catalogues and bibliographic search engines and databases.
 

Source of Information

The above details are based on the official National Library Board (NLB) guidelines for Cataloguing in Publication (CIP)

Useful Links

 

🔗 ISBN Users' Manual
Access the official guide to the ISBN Standard and system, provided by the International ISBN Agency.


🌍 ISSN International Centre
Explore official resources, guidelines, and services related to ISSN assignments and serial publication management.
🔗 ISSN International Centre


🏛 National Library Board Singapore – Legal Deposit
Learn about Singapore’s Legal Deposit requirements and the submission process mandated by the National Library Board (NLB).
🔗 NLB – Legal Deposit

🔗 NLB – FAQ

🔗 NLB – Deposit Portal User Guide

Video Tutorials

  1. Welcome to Deposit Portal.
  2. Managing your Publisher Account
  3. Application of International Standard Number
  4. Submission of Legal Deposit materials
  5. Apply for Cataloguing-In-Publication

🔗 DOI Registration Agencies
Find information on authorised DOI Registration Agencies, including Crossref and DataCite, for assigning Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to publications.
🔗 DOI Registration Agencies


🆔 ORCID Registration
Register for an ORCID iD to uniquely identify yourself in the scholarly community and link your research outputs across platforms.
🔗 ORCID Registration