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How to Convert an OCLC to an ISBN

OCLC is a technology-oriented international cooperative of libraries and librarians with almost 27,000 members and a vast database of publications meant to help librarians access and share information. This database is called WorldCat, and much of its data can be accessed freely through the Web.



For every item in its database, the OCLC assigns an identifier number. Booksellers and other distributors of books, however, usually use the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for identifying books. If you have an OCLC number and you need an ISBN, WorldCat has what you need.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the WorldCat website. Find the search options on the front page.

    • 2

      Click the "Advanced search" link. You will be taken to the advanced search page.

    • 3

      Find the input boxes for entering search terms. There will be three boxes available. Next to each box will be a pull-down menu. Click on the top pull-down menu, which will read "Keyword," and select "Accession number" from the list of options.

    • 4

      Input your OCLC number into the text box next to the pull-down menu. Click the "Search" button. If your OCLC number is correct, you will be taken to your desired publication's record in WorldCat.

    • 5

      Scroll down to the "Details" section of the page.

    • 6

      Find the row marked "ISBN." The numbers in this row are the ISBNs for this publication. Most publications have more than one ISBN. Each one is separated by a space.

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