Local publications continued to climb last year

According to the registration records of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) regarding the number of requests by the local ISBN agency of Macau, 722 books and 26 periodicals were slated for publication in 2015. The figures represent an increase of 82 books and 8 periodicals over 2014.
In addition, 541 publications were submitted to the  Central Library collection under the Legal Deposit Regime, of which 477 titles had applied for an ISBN registration.
The institution reports that a total of 93 publishers submitted new applications to join the ISBN system, including one school, five commercial organizations, 36 civic organizations, 47 individuals and four other special groups. The 93 new publishers have taken the cumulative total to 811 since the local ISBN agency was founded in 2000.
According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the data reflects the solid development of publishing in Macau and a growth in the awareness of ISBN application for publishers. The international standardization of book publication has greatly strengthened the ability for Macau books to break into the international market.
To apply for an ISBN, applicants are required to complete an application form together with a copy of the finalized cover page, title page and copyright page of the publication, and send it to the Macau ISBN agency address.
The IC added that first- time applicants are required to submit a copy of supporting documents of commercial registration or non-profit organization registration, whereas individual publishers are required to present their Macau Resident Identity Card.
The ISBN agency in Macau will reply to applicants within three working days from the time at which all necessary documents are received.
Alternatively, publishers can submit their publications in person to the ISBN agency located in the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library or to the Central Library in Tap Seac Square. Staff reporter