National Library of the Philippines - Introduction
The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) is the government agency responsible for acquiring, organizing, preserving, and providing access to printed and published materials in the country. NLP also serves as the national copyright office and the ISBN/ISSN agency for the Philippines.
What is the National Library of the Philippines?
- NLP is the national repository of printed and published materials in the Philippines, established under Republic Act No. 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009)
- NLP serves as the Philippine Copyright Office, handling copyright registration and deposit of published works
- NLP is the official ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) agency in the Philippines
- NLP maintains the Philippine National Bibliography and preserves the country's literary and cultural heritage
- NLP provides free library services and access to its collections at its main building in Manila and through regional branches
- Copyright registration with NLP provides legal evidence of ownership and is useful for enforcing intellectual property rights
- ISBN/ISSN assignment is required for publications that will be distributed, sold, or made available in libraries and bookstores
A Simple NLP Services Overview
Example
Copyright: Register your book, music, software, or artwork
ISBN: Get a unique number for your book publication
ISSN: Get a unique number for your magazine or journal
Step 1: Prepare your work or publication
Step 2: Visit NLP or apply online
Step 3: Submit requirements and pay fees
Step 4: Receive your certificate or assigned numberExample Explained
Copyright Registration: Under Philippine law (Republic Act No. 8293 — Intellectual Property Code), copyright automatically exists upon creation of a work. However, registering your copyright with NLP provides prima facie evidence of ownership and makes it easier to enforce your rights in case of infringement.
ISBN Application: If you are publishing a book (print or digital), you need an ISBN — a unique 13-digit number that identifies your publication worldwide. NLP is the official ISBN agency in the Philippines and assigns ISBNs free of charge.
ISSN Application: If you are publishing a serial publication such as a magazine, journal, newspaper, or newsletter, you need an ISSN. NLP assigns ISSNs for Philippine serial publications.
NLP Services Overview
Copyright Registration
Register your literary, musical, artistic, or other creative works with the NLP Copyright Office. Registration provides legal evidence of ownership and is accepted in Philippine courts.
ISBN/ISSN Assignment
Obtain an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for books or an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for magazines, journals, and other serial publications through the NLP.
Copyright & Publishing Quick Reference
| Service | What It Covers | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright Registration | Books, music, software, art, films, photographs | ₱200 per work | 5-10 working days |
| ISBN Assignment | Books (print and digital/e-books) | Free | 3-5 working days |
| ISSN Assignment | Magazines, journals, newspapers, newsletters | Free | 3-5 working days |
| Legal Deposit | All published works in the Philippines | Free (mandatory) | Upon submission |
Note: Fees and processing times are subject to change. Copyright registration fees are per work registered. ISBN and ISSN assignments are free of charge but require submission of copies of the publication (legal deposit). Always check the NLP website for the latest schedule of fees.
Important Reminders
- Copyright exists automatically upon creation of a work — registration is optional but highly recommended for legal protection
- ISBN is required for books that will be sold in bookstores, distributed through libraries, or listed in bibliographic databases
- All publishers in the Philippines are required by law to deposit copies of their publications with NLP (Legal Deposit Law, RA 10066)
- NLP is located at the National Library Building, T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila — open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- For copyright disputes or infringement cases, you may also consult the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
- Self-published authors can apply for ISBN directly with NLP — you do not need to go through a publishing company
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the National Library office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest National Library office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.