An ISBN is a code used to register your thesis. This code makes your thesis discoverable and unique. In this blog, we’ll explain what an ISBN is, why it’s also used for theses and how to request an ISBN.

Ready to request an ISBN right away? Fill out the application form.
You’ll receive your unique ISBN within two business days.
ISBN request

What is an ISBN, actually?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. This unique 13-digit code makes your thesis discoverable. There is no other book or thesis with the same code. An ISBN is composed of several fixed components:

EAN code: This European Article Number indicates that it’s a book. Currently, it’s 978 or 979.
Country-specific code: This code specifies the language region to which the thesis belongs. For the Netherlands and Flanders, it’s 978-90 or 978-94.
Publisher-specific code: These numbers indicate the publishing house associated with the thesis.
Title designation: This sequence of up to four digits is always unique and corresponds to a specific title.
Check digit: This digit is generated through a calculation to ensure that no errors were made during the ISBN scanning process.

Why do I need an ISBN?

An ISBN contains all the necessary information about a book, in this case, your thesis. This makes finding, distributing and selling a thesis much easier. Often, the university also requires you to request an ISBN. If you plan to sell your thesis, be aware that it’s mandatory to request an ISBN. After obtaining an ISBN, you’ll receive a 13-digit code. You can then generate a barcode online. You can search for terms like “barcode generator ISBN” to do this. We’re happy to assist you with this process!

What information do you need to request an ISBN?

In addition to your contact information, we require specific information to request an ISBN, including:

Title of your thesis
Subtitle
First and last name of the author
Language in which it is written
Date of graduation
NUR code (a three-digit code that indicates the subject matter of the book; you can find this code at www.boek.nl/nur and choose the one that best fits your thesis)

How do you request an ISBN from Gildeprint?

Is it important for you that your thesis is discoverable in bookstore and library systems? Are you planning to sell your thesis (online)? Or is it a requirement from your university? Then, request an ISBN via our website. You only need to fill out the application form. Within two business days, you’ll receive your ISBN via email. The one-time fee for requesting an ISBN is €25.00. Important note: We can only request an ISBN when we are also printing your thesis.

Ready to request an ISBN right away? Fill out the application form.
You’ll receive your unique ISBN within two business days.
ISBN request