Bibliographic Services Division (BSD) is one of the technical divisions of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP). It serves as the National Center for International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and International Standard Music Number (ISMN).
BSD has the following core functions:
- Maintains an up-to-date Philippine National Bibliography (PNB)
- Serves as the national center for the international standard numbering systems
- Prepares bibliographies and indexes of the national library's serial holdings
International Standard Numbering Systems
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
The National Library was designated as the Philippine ISBN Agency by the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA), and the Philippine Library Association (PLA) in July 1978. In 1981, the national agency became operational. It is responsible for the implementation and administration of the ISBN system on behalf of all publishers in the country. ISBN is not obligatory, nor does it convey any legal or copyright protection.
International Standard Music Number (ISMN)
The International Standard Music Number (ISMN) was created in 1993 in analogy to the ISBN. As the ISMN National Center of the Philippines, the National Library is responsible for the implementation and administration of the ISMN system to all local publishers/producers. It became operational only in November 2005.
ISMN general contract was signed by and between the International ISMN Agency and the National Library in July 2005. The latter was declared as a member from 2007 onwards of the Internationale ISMN Agentur e.V. (Association of the International ISMN agency).
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
The ISSN National Center in the Philippines started operating in late 1975 with the National Science Development Board (NSDB) as the National Center. In 1981, the ISSN National Center was transferred to the National Library as part of its integrated bibliographic services. This is in keeping with the internationally accepted practice of establishing National Centers within the framework of national libraries together with the national agency for ISBN as part of its supportive programs.
Contact Person:
National Library of the Philippines
c/o Ms. Jennifer B. Dimasaca
Chief, Librarian V
Bibliographic Services Division
T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. No.: 5336-7200 loc. 406-407