ISBN are numbers used to identify editions of books. An ISBN is a 13-digit code which identifies a specific edition of a book title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition.

The National Library is a service agent for the ISBN-system. The allocation of numbers and information services are provided to publishers for free. Each publisher is provided with a series of numbers which include the publisher's identification number or individual book numbers for small publishers, who publish a few books or perhaps one book only (see down below). The library also supervises that the use of these numbers is correct. A registry of Faroese publishers is created, which forms a part of an international register, Global Register of Publishers.

An application can be sent to:

The National Library of the Faroe Islands | (ISBN-office) | J. C. Svabos gøtu 16 | P.O. Box 61  | FO-110 Tórshavn

In the case of individual book numbers for publishers without their own ISBN-administration, please contact Bókamiðsølan tel. + 298 313 756 and request a single ISBN.

ISSN are used for serials (such as journals, magazines and newspapers). ISSN are assigned by the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen, ISSN Denmark.

For further information please contact Høgni Bech: isbn@landsbokasavnid.fo | tel. +298 34 05 25

ISBN

ISBN means International Standard Book Number. ISBNs give a unique identifier to every edition of a book published (and also to many book-like products, including e-books).

The Faroes ISBN system is administered at Landsbókasavnið and this is where publishers should apply when registering as an ISBN-publisher.

Users manual

You can find the international users' manual here.

Send in/File an application

Download and fill out the application (pdf). 

The aplication must be sent to:

Landsbókasavnið
J. C. Svabos gøtu 16
P.O. Box 61
FO-110 Tórshavn

Tlf. +298 34 05 25 
T-postur: isbn@landsbokasavnid.fo 

Get a single ISBN number

In case of publishing a single book, the person in question must contact bókamiðsølan tel. 313756 to get individual ISBNs.