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ISBN/ISSN – Registration

Overview

This service is intended for Authors, Self-Publishers, Editors and Publishers in general. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identification number of a book, while the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication. These numbers are issued to publishers and individual authors so that their authored work can be easily identified for consumption in the international market.

Who is eligible?

Any individual or publishing entity intending to publish their work in Botswana. 

How do I get this service?

Application for ISBN:

  1. Visit the National Reference Library (NRL) or local public libraries to fill and submit ISBN Application Form with supporting documents.
  2. Sign acceptance of terms of use 
  3. Deposit two book copies with the NRL

Application for ISSN:

  1.  Visit the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to apply for the ISSN at;

 

BOTSWANA NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE

CBD, Y2K BUILDING, PLOT 54372

PRIVATE BAG 0036, GABORONE

TEL: +267 3901186

FAX: +267 3901149

FACEBOOK PAGE: BOTSWANA NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE: BNLS

EMAIL (FOR ISBN REQUESTS/ENQUIRIES): botsin [at] gov.bw (botsin[at]gov[dot]bw)

ISSN PORTAL (ISSN REQUESTS): www.issn.org

What supporting documents are required?
  • National identity card (Omang) for citizens
  • Certified copy of the Bio-page of passport for non-citizens
  • ISBN Application: a copy of book cover, title, introduction pages for book and the brief abstract/summary of the book. For a novel, only the cover and title pages are submitted
  • ISSN Application: a copy of the cover page showing the frequency of the serial and the editorial page
How long will this service take?
  • ISBN -  Issued immediately
  • ISSN – Ten (10) days
How much does it cost?

No cost.

Where can I obtain this service?

ISBN - BNLS Public Libraries and National Reference Library

ISSN - International Standard Serial Number website www.issn.org

Where can I get more information on this Service

Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development

Y2K Building – Central Business District

Plot 54372

Private Bag 00514,

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel. (+267) 3682600

Fax. (+267) 3913473

Toll Free No. 0800 600 883

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