ISBN/ISSN is unique identifiers for information materials. Using them is beneficial to all the stakeholders in the book-chain. The features of the identifiers are enumerated as well as a brief history of how they came into being. Libraries use ISBN/ISSN numbers when they need to acquire new resources, when they process the new materials and when they offer services to patrons. However, as trusted institutions for reliable resources and information, libraries do face challenges at different points as pertains to the use of ISBN/ISSN. The publication of a Nigerian Publishers Directory as a standalone quick reference resource or embedded in the National Bibliography and African Books in Print and Other Media were suggested as pathways that could be followed to assist librarians when facing challenges associated with ISBN/ISSN issues.
