Collection metadata services
We offer a range of metadata services to libraries, publishers, researchers and the cultural heritage sector.
The British National Bibliography (BNB)
The British National Bibliography (BNB) records the publishing activity of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland since 1950.
The BNB is currently available on the Share Family beta portal. It is published as linked data as part of an international collaboration of libraries to enhance discovery.
To request a Catalogue-in-Publication (CIP) record, please contact Bibliographic Data Services (BDS).
To request a weekly PDF of new additions to the BNB, please contact us at metadata@bl.uk.
International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI)
The British Library is an ISNI Registration Agency. We are working with partners in the cultural, research, publishing and music communities to assign ISNIs to persons and organisations. To enquire about bulk data ISNI assignments or any other ISNI-related matter, please contact us at isni@bl.uk.
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
The British Library hosts ISSN UK, the national centre responsible for assigning ISSN to serials published in the United Kingdom.
If you are a UK publisher and wish to request an application form, or have any questions about ISSN, please contact us at issn-uk@bl.uk.
For non-UK publishers, please refer to the ISSN International Centre.
MARC organization code and International Standard Identifier for Libraries and related organizations (ISIL)
The British Library is the national agency for the assignment of MARC orgnization codes and ISILs. Both identifiers can be assigned to libraries and related organisations, such as archives and museums located in the UK, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
If you are such an organisation and require a MARC organization code or an ISIL, please contact us at uk-isilmarc@bl.uk.
Metadata standards
The British Library is involved in the development, maintenance and / or implementation of professional metadata standards such as MARC 21, RDA, DDC, FAST, (including the FAST funnel). Any questions? Please contact us at metadata@bl.uk.
Collection metadata strategy
Sustainability through change (PDF, 796kb) is the British Library's collection metadata strategy, 2023-2030. It sets out three priorities: delivering core purposes, opening our metadata and removing barriers to access, and enabling our people.
The strategy is implemented through annual plans, which allow for some reprioritisation of activities depending on latest developments.