The ISBN Agency at the Office of Library and Archives (OLA) is the official body responsible for assigning International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) to publishers and authors in Papua New Guinea. The ISBN system helps identify and catalogue books and publications, ensuring they are easily traceable and accessible both locally and internationally.

Key Functions of the ISBN Agency:

1. ISBN Registration
   Assigns unique ISBNs to books, e-books, and other publications produced in Papua New Guinea.
2. Publisher Support
   Guides publishers, authors, and institutions through the registration process and provides advice on publishing standards.
3. National Bibliographic Control
   Helps maintain accurate national bibliographic records of all publications produced in Papua New Guinea.
4. Global Visibility
   Ensures PNG-published books are recognized and searchable through international book databases and library systems.
5. Legal Deposit Coordination
   Works in collaboration with the National Library to ensure published materials are deposited and preserved for future reference.

The ISBN Agency supports the growth of Papua New Guinea’s publishing industry by promoting professional publishing practices and ensuring every publication produced in the country is recognized, recorded, and preserved for future generations.