FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL ISBN AGENCY

• To promote participation in the ISBN system within the country.
• To manage and administer the affairs of the national agency.
• To decide in cooperation with publishers and their representative agencies, the range of publisher identifiers required.
• To allocate publisher identifiers to eligible publishers and to maintain a register of publishers and their identifiers.
• To advise publishers on the correct and proper implementation of the system.
• To provide materials and resources that ensure the proper implementation of the ISBN standard.
• To make available computer print-outs of ISBNs to publishers numbering their own books with check digits already calculated.
• To inform publishers of any invalid or duplicate ISBNs assigned to them.
• To provide technical advice to publishers and ensure that standards and approved procedures are observed.
• To maintain liaison with all elements of the book industry and introduce new publishers to the system.
• To keep and make available the files of assigned publisher identifiers and title numbers.
• To handle relations with the Regional ISBN Agency on behalf of all the publishers in Trinidad and Tobago.
• To report regularly to the Regional ISBN Agency.

BENEFITS OF USING AN ISBN FOR PUBLISHING HOUSES

The ISBN serves as unique identifier for:

• Monographic publications, from manuscript through all editorial and Manufacture processes until the item is finished
• Stock control
• Ordering
• Accounting
• Handling of returns
• Sales data monitoring
• Right and royalty management

BENEFITS OF USING AN ISBN FOR BOOK TRADERS

The ISBN serves as a unique identifier for:

• Ordering/teleordering
• Accounting and billing
• Bibliographic searches
• Stock control
• Electronic point-of-sale systems
• Books in Print directories

BENEFITS OF USING AN ISBN FOR LIBRARIES

The ISBN serves as a unique identifier for:

• Ordering
• Information retrieval
• Copy cataloguing
• Circulation and interlending
• National lending rights
• The national bibliography

All fees are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD).  No cash accepted.

Payment for ISBNs is done via Wire Transfer to CARICOM Guyana, either online or in person at the bank. This will cost between US$5.00 – US$25.00 in addition to the regular fees. It does not include the costs charged by your personal bank.

Registration Fee - $20.00

This is a one-time payment by all first time registrants of the TTISBN Agency regardless of output.

ISBN Processing Fees

One ISBN (Single) - $20.00

Block of 10 ISBNs - $50.00

Block of 100 ISBNs - $300.00

Block of 1000 ISBNs - $750.00

Block of 10,000 ISBNs - $1500.00

NB:

For blocks 100 – 10,000, proof of intended use is required such as completed ISBN-Single Forms ready to be used once approved. These are submitted together with your initial block application form.

To apply for an ISBN is simple. Be sure to read and follow the instruction given below:

Fill out and forward the application form (in JPEG or PDF format) along with one photo ID and a proof of your local mailing address to isbn@nalis.gov.tt or Sonelle.Lewis-Archibald@nalis.gov.tt.

• ISBN Form - Single (for applicants applying for one – two titles)
• ISBN Form - Block (for applicants applying for a block)

When we receive your application, we will get back to you, providing details regarding your wire transfer instructions and the total amount of funds to be paid in US dollars. We will also provide you with payee information to take to your bank.

After you make the payment, you are required to:

• Send back to us, using the email addresses above, a copy of the payment confirmation or receipt.

Upon the confirmation of your payment by CARICOM, you will receive another email confirming your assigned ISBN. In the case of block applications, you will receive a confirmation email with your next steps.

NB:

• Applications will not be processed until fees are received.
• Applicants applying for three or more titles are advised to apply for a block of 10.
• The application process and submission of payment must be two (2) months prior to intended date of publication.

CONTACT THE TT ISBN AGENCY

Address:   

Trinidad and Tobago ISBN Agency
National Library and Information System Authority
Technical Services Division
National Library Building
Hart and Abercromby Streets
Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.

Mailing Address:

Trinidad and Tobago ISBN Agency
National Library and Information System Authority
PO Box 547, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.

Telephone: (868) 624-4466, 623-6962, 627-8507 ext. 2018

Fax: (868) 625-6096

Email: isbn@nalis.gov.tt