Request an identifier

The library can issue a unique identifier for any output published by Glasgow Caledonian University. This includes monographs, theses, research and project reports, conference proceedings and grey literature. Three types of identifier are available:

  • Digital Object Identifier (DOI): a persistent and stable identifier used for any electronic publications
  • International Standard Book Number (ISBN): a persistent and stable identifier used for monographs published electronically or in print
  • International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): a persistent and stable identifier used for serials published electronically or in print.

The library will issue the appropriate identifier based on the type and format of the publication. We will not usually issue multiple identifiers for the same publication unless it will be distributed in both print and electronic format.

Make a request

To request an identifier please email libraryresearch@gcu.ac.uk with the following details:

  • Title of the publication
  • Full list of authors
  • Anticipated date of publication
  • Copyright holder (this would usually be GCU and/or the authors)
  • Format of publication (print, electronic or both).

Please note: identifiers should ideally be requested prior to publication so they can be included in the final published version of the work.

Legal deposit

Following publication of your output the library is required to comply with legal deposit legislation by sending the publication to the National Library of Scotland and other legal deposit libraries. This ensures that the nation's published output, and thereby its intellectual record and future published heritage, is collected systematically and preserved for future generations. Where possible we will comply with legal deposit using an electronic copy of the output. Please note that where an electronic copy cannot be used you will be required to provide seven physical copies of the work. In the long term a copy will also be stored in the University Archives.