The Library is responsible for ISBN distribution to Columbia College Chicago faculty interested in publishing a book.
We assist authors in processing the paperwork that will allow their book's title information to be registered in the databases of ISBN-related agencies like R.R. Bowker and Baker & Taylor and printed in directories such as Books in Print. Submitting the ISBN of the author's work to these sources will make the book more widely accessible to the publishing world and to potential book purchasers.
The ISBN numbers owned by the College are registered under the publisher name Columbia College Chicago with Provost Steve Kapelke listed as the contact.
Procedures for ISBN Distribution
- Authors should contact Michelle Ferguson with the following information:
- title
- author's name
- department name
- audience
- anticipated publication date
- book description
- Michelle will mail or fax the appropriate forms to the author. For consistency, authors must list Columbia College Chicago as part of the imprint on all relevant forms.
- Completed forms should be returned to Michelle. She will make a copy for the Library files and forward the originals to the appropriate agency. She will also issue you an ISBN number.
NOTE: It may take up to 2 months for your ISBN number to appear in Bowker print or electronic publications.
Helpful ISBN Documentation for Authors
- ISBN FAQ (from R.R. Bowker)
- Major Issues in the Implementation of the ISBN (from R.R. Bowker)