Ask WWU Libraries

First off, what is an ISBN or ISSN?

Wikipedia provides the following definitions: 

"An ISBN is assigned to each separate edition and variation (except reprintings) of a publication. For example, an e-book, a paperback and a hardcover edition of the same book will each have a different ISBN. The ISBN is ten digits long if assigned before 2007, and thirteen digits long if assigned on or after 1 January 2007."

"An International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication, such as a magazine. The ISSN is especially helpful in distinguishing between serials with the same title. ISSNs are used in ordering, cataloging, interlibrary loans, and other practices in connection with serial literature."

When you are requesting an Interlibrary Loan you will be asked to provide the ISBN or ISSN if you know it. For books, you will typically find an ISBN listed on Amazon or other bookseller websites. Another option is to utilize Google Books to search for the title of the book and look under 'other editions' to find a list of associated ISBNs. 

For a Journal Article request, it is helpful to be able to share the ISSN to facilitate finding the correct journal to request quickly. Typically this will be available on the journal publisher's page, so the easiest way to find it is to search for the title of the journal and ISSN in Google and look for the journal publisher's website. Sometimes this will be found under the 'about the journal' or near the bottom of the website. 

If you cannot find an ISBN or ISSN for your source, you may submit a request without it. If you need an ISBN or ISSN for another reason, please contact a librarian to help you search additional sources.