The ISSN, ISBN, and OCLC numbers are used to uniquely identify a resource. The library uses these numbers during the acquisition process to ensure that we are purchasing the correct resource. You only need to provide one unique identifier for a resource.

ISSNs and ISBNs are what you may be most familiar with, as they're very common outside of the Library. ISSNs are 8 digit numbers, typically displayed as two groups of four, 1234-1234. An ISSN is associated with a serial publication such as a journal, magazine, or newspaper.

ISBNs are 10 or 13 digits, and are used for print and electronic books, although some dissertations and other types of monographs may have an ISBN. This number is often found on the publication information page in a print book.

OCLC numbers are a little bit different. OCLC numbers are a number assigned to a bibliographic record, so you'll typically only find this number in a library catalog, database, or service like WorldCat. This number is the most useful for the library, as you can select the exact version of an item you would like us to look for.

OCLC numbers are included on all records in WorldCat Discovery. To find the OCLC number of the item you would like to request, use the instructions below:

1. Visit https://norwich.on.worldcat.org/discovery.
2. Search for the title of the item you are requesting:
   1. Depending on the item you are searching for, you may see no results, or see results for reviews of the item. If the item you are searching for appears before adjusting any filters, it is likely already in the Library's collections.
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   2. To the left of the results pane, there should be a filter that says "Libraries Worldwide". Select this option. You should now see additional results.
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   3. Select the item that best matches the item you wish to request, and click on the title to bring up the item's detailed record. For example, I am looking for an eBook of "Strange tales from a Chinese Studio", so I'll pick the eBook version of the text.
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3. On the detailed record page, scroll down until you find the "OCLC Number/Unique Identifier" field. Next to it, you should see a 10 digit number. This is the OCLC number.
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4. Use your device's copy and paste function to copy the OCLC number into the form.

To find the ISBN of the item you would like to request, use the instructions below:

1. Visit https://norwich.on.worldcat.org/discovery.
2. Search for the title of the item you are requesting:
   1. Depending on the item you are searching for, you may see no results, or see results for reviews of the item. If the item you are searching for appears before adjusting any filters, it is likely already in the Library's collections.
      • 
   2. To the left of the results pane, there should be a filter that says "Libraries Worldwide". Select this option. You should now see additional results.
      • 
   3. Select the item that best matches the item you wish to request, and click on the title to bring up the item's detailed record. For example, I am looking for an eBook of "Strange tales from a Chinese Studio", so I'll pick the eBook version of the text.
      • 
3. On the detailed record page, scroll down until you find the "ISBN" field. Next to it, you should see a 10 or 13 digit number, but you may see multiple. You can enter more than one ISBN into the form.
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4. Use your device's copy and paste function to copy the ISBN number into the form.

To find the ISSN of the item you would like to request, use the instructions below:

1. Visit https://norwich.on.worldcat.org/discovery.
2. Search for the title of the item you are requesting:
   1. Depending on the item you are searching for, you may see no results, or see results for reviews of the item. If the item you are searching for appears before adjusting any filters, it is likely already in the Library's collections.
      • 
   2. To the left of the results pane, there should be a filter that says "Libraries Worldwide". Select this option. You should now see additional results.
      • 
   3. Select the item that best matches the item you wish to request, and click on the title to bring up the item's detailed record.
      • 
3. On the detailed record page, scroll down until you find the "ISSN" field. Next to it, you should see a 8 digit number separated by a dash, but you may see multiple. More than one ISSN can be entered into the form.
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4. Use your device's copy and paste function to copy the ISSN number into the form.

While the form will accept DOIs, they are primarily used as an identifier for individual articles, eBooks and other online resources. As this identifier is not always included on records in our vendor platforms, we ask that you utilize other unique identifiers whenever possible.