National Archives of Malawi |
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| Malawi National ISBN Agency | |
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BACKGROUND TO THE ISBN SYSTEM IN MALAWI |
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Malawi joined the International Standard Book Numbering (ISBN) system in August 1991. The idea to join the ISBN system was conceived out of a growing demand for a book numbering system in the local publishing industry. Most book publishers in Malawi wanted to have their books numbered with ISBNs, as was the case with books, which were published in other countries, but Malawi was not part of the system at that time. |
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| After realizing the publishers’ interests, the University Librarian of the University of Malawi wrote to the International ISBN Agency in Berlin in April, 1990 expressing Malawi’s interest in the system. The International ISBN Agency in Berlin indicated their willingness to accept Malawi’s participation in the system. | |
| From that time, the University Librarian continued his work by sensitizing publishers in the country to support the system when it was finally conceptualized. The response from local publishers was overwhelming. In the same tune, some publishers were indicating that they wanted to join the system through the British and South African Agencies because there was none in Malawi. | |
| Early in 1991, the University Librarian pushed the idea further to the Executive Committee of the Malawi Library Association, which encouraged him to take up the matter with the Government for approval. The Government was pleased with the idea and very quickly approved the introduction of the ISBN system in Malawi in 1991. | |