The functions and responsibilities of a national ISBN registration agency are:

• To ensure that continuous service is provided

• To issue notification of the assignment of an ISBN or an ISBN registrant element to the registrant of that monographic publication or publisher name

• To create, manage, and maintain registers of ISBN, ISBN metadata, and administrative data in accordance with the policies set out by the International ISBN Agency. (Tasks involving ISBN metadata may be delegated to a designated bibliographic agency provided that compliance is made with these specifications)

• To correct inaccurate ISBNs and ISBN metadata if proof of such inaccuracy is provided

• To make ISBN and associated metadata available to other registration agencies and to users of the ISBN system in compliance with policies set out by the International ISBN Agency

• To collate and maintain statistical data on its ISBN-related operations and report these at the stipulated intervals to the International ISBN Agency

• To promote, educate, and train others in the use of the ISBN system in compliance with the specifications of the applicable edition of the ISBN standard in force at the time

• To adhere to the ISBN policies and procedures established by the International ISBN Agency in compliance with the specifications of the applicable edition of the ISBN standard in force at the time