The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said in a statement on Friday that in accordance with the statistics on the registration of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) requests provided by the Macau ISBN Agency, 759 local books were scheduled for publication in 2020, a slight decrease of 30 books in comparison with 2019.
According to the statement, the Department of Public Library Management under the Cultural Affairs Bureau is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of local publications and the provision of materials for research purposes. The statement said that the slight decline of 30 books in comparison with 2019 shows that in general, local publications have not been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement noted that in 2020, 766 books were submitted to the Macau Central Library for collection under the Legal Deposit Regime, including 696 printed books, 68 e-books and two types of books in other media. The statement also pointed out that In 2020, a total of 70 new publishers submitted applications to join the ISBN system (including one government entities, three schools, 23 commercial organisations, 10 civic organisations and 33 individuals), adding up to an accumulative total of 1,089 publishers (categories of publishers: 69 government entities, 38 schools, 227 commercial organisations, 429 civic organisations, 307 individuals and 19 other special groups).
The statement noted a 17-fold increase in comparison with the 62 publishers registered in 2000 when the local ISBN Agency was founded. The statement underlined that the data shows the steady development of the publishing industry in Macau and an increased awareness of ISBN among publishers. The international standardisation of book publication has facilitated the promotion of Macau’s books in the international market.
According to the statement, the Department of Public Library Management of the Cultural Affairs Bureau has systematically collected documents related to Macau’s political, economic, social, historical and technological aspects. The statement said that all publications in Macau, regardless of what form, category, replica method, or whether they are products on sale or distributed free of charge, are subject to the supervision of the Legal Deposit Regime.
For more information about the relevant regulations and services, please visit the Macau ISBN Agency website at isbn.library.gov.mo and refer to the “infographic regarding the Legal Deposit Regime and services of Macau publications”, or contact the Macau ISBN Agency on 8598 6600 and 8598 6660 during office hours.
This undated handout photo provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) on Friday shows a resident visiting the Macau ISBN Agency.
