ISBN FAQs

Note

Due to the high volume of ISBN requests being received, staff of the Legislative Library have created this FAQ. Links to further information on ISBN are included in these answers. Should you have any further questions, please contact us at ISN@ola.org.

Introduction

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique international identifier for publications. The ISBN program is international in scope and is directed in Canada by Library and Archives Canada (LAC). The Legislative Library assigns ISBNs to Ontario government documents on behalf of LAC. ISBNs are used to quickly and efficiently identify, order, distribute and retrieve publications.

ISBN in general

Publications that require an ISBN

Using the ISBN in your publication

What if our publication plans change?