Q：What kind of services does the Macao ISBN Agency provide?
A：Established in 2000, the Macao ISBN Agency mainly caters for local publishers, offering free services for the application of ISBN, and the assignment of ISSN and ISRC, so that publications can meet international standards. Furthermore, as authorised by Decree Law No. 72/89/M (Legal Deposit System) amended by Administrative Regulation No. 10/2008, the Macao ISBN Agency is responsible for the collection of local publications in order to preserve all the local publication information that belongs to public cultural property. Publishers who submit their published works to the Macao ISBN Agency for deposit are offered permanent repository services for free. This measure not only allows publishers to fully and systematically preserve their painstaking efforts, but can also improve the usage rates of the publications and promote them through the platform of the Macao Public Library. For the method of book number application before publication and the legal deposit services after publication, please visit our website at http://isbn.library.gov.mo/en/ or dial (853) 8598 6600 or (853) 8598 6660 for inquiries.
Q：What is ISBN?
A：ISBN is the acronym for International Standard Book Number, an international uniform numbering system developed for book publication and management purpose to facilitate international exchange and data collection among publications. An "ISBN" code consists of 13 digits to identify the country and area (language), publishing house, title, edition and format of a publication. There is only one corresponding publication for each ISBN, thereby making it the identity document of a publication and granting it the identifiability and independence to be applied in computer operating systems.
Q：What are the application procedures for an ISBN?
A：Applicants can first download the relevant PDF form from the website of the Macao ISBN Agency (http://www.library.gov.mo/en/service-guide/download-forms/isbn). After completing the application form, please submit it to the Macao ISBN Agency* together with a copy of the finalised cover, the title page and the copyright page. First-time applicants should also submit a copy of the registration documents of the business or non-profit organisation, whereas individual publishers should submit a copy of his or her Macao SAR Resident Identity Card. (* Address: 2/F, New Building of Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, 3 Largo de Sto. Agostinho, Macao)
Q：After submitting an ISBN application, how long does it take to find out if it is approved?
A：After receiving all the relevant documents, the Macao ISBN Agency will finish reviewing the ISBN application within 3 working days.
