Q. When do I need an ISBN?
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique number used to identify a specific version of a book or other written item. They are used to enable accurate searching and locating of items (e.g. in library catalogues).
Items requiring an ISBN are those written for the public. For example, annual reports or strategic plans.
Internal SA Health documents, such as clinical guidelines, do not require an ISBN. Policies, guidelines, operational manuals, staff guides and clinical guidelines are frequently updated and do not fall into the category of 'long-life' documents which would require an ISBN.
This includes some documents published on the SA Health internet. While the SA Health website is a public facing platform, and documents are publicly visible, they may not necessarily be written for the public.
For example, the South Australian Tobacco Control Strategy 2023-2027 has been allocated an ISBN because:
- It is intended for a wide audience (not only SA Health staff).
- It is a permanent publication; it is not revised. All past and future tobacco control strategies are stand-alone publications with their own ISBN numbers.
- The content is of permanent interest and it will be catalogued by the National Library of Australia and the State Library of South Australia.
However, a clinical guideline, such as Pressure injury prevention and management, will not require an ISBN because:
- It applies to all SA Health staff, including all LHNs.
- It has a content review date and might be revised sooner if a new piece of clinical evidence information becomes available. It is not a permanent document.
- It might or might not be made visible to the public via the website if SA Health decides to publish it there. That doesn’t make it a public document in itself.
If unsure about a particular document, the library service is happy to provide advice on ISBNs and legal deposit requirements.
To have an ISBN allocated to your publication please contact the library.
If you already know that your publication will need an ISBN, we recommend putting through your request when at the final draft stage, so that the allocated ISBN can be added prior to publication.
