Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has launched an online application system for the issuance of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN), International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN), International Standard Music Numbers (ISMN) and Cataloguing in Publication (CIP).

The online platform which was rolled out in November 2020 as part of the Technology strategy of the Authority, underwent rigorous testing and is now officially launched for use by players of the publishing industry in Ghana.  

Hayford Siaw, Chief Executive of GhLA who launched the platform highlighted the relevance of the introduction of an online application system of the ISBN, ISSN, ISMN and the CIP.

He explained that “For many years, players in the publishing industry had to physically visit our issuance centre in Accra; but the online platform allows stakeholders to sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and log on the website of the Authority to apply.

He further stated, “This online application system will increase the efficiency and speed of the issuance process of this ISO certification for information and documentation.” 

The ISBN is a 13-digit unique identifier for books used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes.

The ISSN is also an eight-digit serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication, such as a magazine, newspaper etc. ISMM is a unique identifier given to printed music.

Ghana Library Authority also announced the offering of Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) service for the Ghanaian publishing industry.

Mr Siaw who was impressed with the patronage of the CIP service indicated that; this will help books to be efficiently processed when procured by libraries.

The CIP is a bibliographic record prepared by the GhLA for a book that has not yet been published.

Mr Francis Ahedor, the author of the “Faithful Church”, testified of this service, saying, “I would like to commend the Ghana Library Authority for automating the ISBN process. It is fast, convenient, and very affordable.

"I didn’t go through the hustle of traffic, transport fare and the risk of getting Covid-19, and the amazing part is, I received my ISBN instantly via email after meeting all the requirements. It saved me time and money.”