An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier for
books, eBooks, and other published materials. It serves as a standardized
way to identify a particular edition of a book and is used by publishers,
booksellers, libraries, and distributors to efficiently manage and locate
specific titles in the global marketplace. Each ISBN is a 13-digit number,
which is typically displayed on the back cover or copyright page of a book.

• Having an ISBN is crucial for various reasons:
• Identification: It provides a unique identifier for your book, making it distinguishable in the vast world of published works.
• Distribution: Many retailers, libraries, and online platforms require an ISBN to list and sell your book. It facilitates accurate tracking and
  inventory management.
• Global Access: An ISBN helps your book reach a wider international audience, as it ensures proper cataloging in libraries and bookstores
  worldwide.
• Professionalism: It conveys a level of professionalism to potential readers, retailers, and industry professionals, giving your book
  credibility.
• Marketing and Promotion: Libraries, wholesalers, and retailers often use ISBNs to order and distribute books. It’s essential for marketing and promoting your work.
• Copyright Protection: While not a replacement for formal copyright registration, an ISBN is a part of the bibliographic data that establishes your book’s identity.

In Kenya, you can obtain an ISBN through the Kenya National Library
Service (knls), which serves as the official ISBN agency for the country.

• Visit the ISBN Manager Platform at www.isbn.ac.ke.
• If you are a first-time user, click on “Don’t have an account.” If you are already registered, proceed to step 7.
• Provide an email address, username and password.
• Complete the CAPTCHA by ticking “I am not a robot” and selecting the images as instructed to complete the Sign-up process.
• After email verification, you will be directed to your User Profile Page. Here, you will need to fill in your personal details and the details of the
  publisher you represent under the “Edit Publisher Info” button. Please note that if you are self-publishing then you need to fill in your
  personal details in the Publisher info page as well.
• Ensure that all mandatory fields under “My Info” and “Publisher Info” are filled in to ensure a smooth processing of your application. You also have the option to edit your email addresses and add a photo if desired.
• Click on “ISBN Products.”
• Add the required ISBN numbers to your cart (equivalent to the quantity
  ordered).
• Complete the transaction.
• Select your preferred mode of payment and make the payment.
• You will receive your ISBN via the email address you provided.

Once all requirements are correctly filled, you can expect to receive your
ISBN within 24 hours.

Yes, legal deposit is typically mandatory for all publishers, including selfpublished authors. It ensures that a copy of your publication is preserved in the national library

Legal deposits play a vital role in the preservation and accessibility of cultural and intellectual heritage. Each deposit, assigned unique identifiers
for easy retrieval, contributes to the development of the Kenya National Bibliography (KNB) which reflects the nation’s cultural, educational, and
historical landscape. Collectively, legal deposits shape the national library into a custodian of the nation’s memory, preserving and providing access to the evolving intellectual and cultural contributions that define its identity across generations