National Serials Data Program, Library of Congress
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the ISSN
What Do the Letters ISSN Stand For?
International Standard Serial Number. According to the pertinent
national and international standards (ISO 3297; ANSI/NISO Z39.9)
the abbreviation"ISSN" denotes the singular and plural forms,
according to context.
Why Do I Need an ISSN?
The ISSN can be thought of as the social security number of the
serials world. Just as an individual's social security number is
used in many automated systems to distinguish that person from
others with the same or similar names, the ISSN distinguishes a
particular serial from others with which it might be confused.
The ISSN also helps library patrons, libraries, and others who
handle large numbers of serials to find and identify titles in
automated systems more quickly and easily.
Does the ISSN Have Any Meaning Embedded in the Number?
Unlike the ISBN, which contains country and publisher prefixes,
the ISSN contains no inherent meaning.
Why Do Some ISSN End in an "X"?
An ISSN is composed of eight digits: the arabic numerals 0 to 9,
except that in the case of the last digit, which is a check
digit, the upper case X can appear. The purpose of the check
digit is to guard against errors caused by the incorrect
transcription of the ISSN. The method of determining the check
digit for the ISSN is the modulus 11 basis, using the weighting
factors 8 to 2. In the case of the ISSN, the Roman numeral X is
used where the check digit calculation results in a remainder of
10.
Who Assigns ISSN?
ISSN are assigned by a network of over 60 centers worldwide
coordinated by the ISSN International Centre located in Paris.
ISSN are assigned to serials published in the United States by
the National Serials Data Program (NSDP), of the Library of
Congress. Serials published outside of the United States are
assigned ISSN by the national center in their country of
publication, or, in the case of countries lacking a national
center, by the ISSN International Centre. Information about the
ISSN network and ISSN centers worldwide can be found on the
ISSN
International
Centre's home page.
Who Is Eligible to Obtain ISSN From NSDP?
NSDP generally only assigns ISSN at the direct request of the publisher or an agent (such as an attorney) acting on the publisher's behalf. Libraries and other ISSN users interested in obtaining ISSN should contact the head of NSDP, Regina Reynolds,
issn@loc.gov,
to discuss other possible arrangements.
How Do I Get an ISSN for a U.S. Serial?
U.S. publishers should complete an application form and send it to NSDP together with a
representation of the serial (either a sample issue, or a
photocopy of the cover, title page (if present), masthead,
publisher information, and any other pages giving information
about the serial.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ISSN From NSDP?
Time frames vary with office staffing and workloads but
requestors should generally allow one month for an ISSN to be
assigned.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an ISSN?
There is no charge for the assignment of the ISSN, or for the use of an ISSN once
assigned. (However, the Library of Congress incurs substantial costs to staff
and maintain the U.S. ISSN center. Additionally, the Library of Congress is assessed
a considerable fee to belong to the ISSN Network.)
Do I Need a Separate ISSN for Each Issue?
No. ISSN are assigned to the entire serial and stay the same
from issue to issue unless you change the title of your serial in
any way except to increment the date (e.g., The World of Serials
1996 to The World of Serials 1997).
What Happens if I Change My Title?
Title changes are costly for libraries and can be costly to
publishers as well. If you must change the title, please apply
to NSDP for a new ISSN at least a month in advance. If you are in
doubt as to whether a contemplated title change would require a
new ISSN, please contact NSDP. The Whats in a Name? brochure has further information about the costs of serial title changes.
How Many ISSN Do I Need?
That depends. For most serials one ISSN for each title under which it has been published is sufficient. But, if
your serial is published in different language, regional, or
physical editions (e.g., print, electronic), you will probably
require a separate ISSN for each edition. Further information about
electronic serials is available.
Where and How Do I Print the ISSN?
The preferred location for printing the ISSN on a printed serial
is on the upper right-hand corner of the cover. Other good
locations are the masthead area, the copyright page, or in the
publishing statement where information about the publisher,
frequency, and other publication facts are given. On a non-print
serial, the ISSN should be printed, if possible, on an internal
source, such as on a title screen or home page. Other suggested
locations on non-print serials are on external sources such as
microfiche headers, cassette or disc labels, or other containers.
If a publication has both an ISSN and an ISBN, each should be
printed. If a publication is in a series which has its own ISSN,
both ISSN should be printed, accompanied by the title to which it
pertains.
Do I Have to Send You Each Issue I Publish?
No. The ISSN office only needs to see one published issue either at the time of
registration, or after publication, for ISSN issued prior to the publication of
the first issue of a serial. However, please see Copyright
Circular 7d, Mandatory Deposit of Copies or Phonorecords for the Library of Congress
for information on Copyright deposit requirements you may be subject to.
What Is the ISBN?
ISBN or International Standard Book Number is the book
counterpart to the ISSN. It is a national and international
standard identification number for uniquely identifying books,
i.e., publications that are not intended to continue
indefinitely.
Can a Publication Have Both an ISSN and an ISBN?
Yes. This situation occurs most commonly with books in a series
and with annuals or biennials. The ISBN identifies the individual book in a series or a specific year for an annual or
biennial. The ISSN identifies the ongoing series, or the ongoing
annual or biennial serial.
What Is the Relationship Between ISSN and CIP?
CIP or Cataloging in Publication information is only available
for books. So, unless the cataloging in publication data is for
an individual book in a series, a publication will not normally
be eligible for both cataloging in publication and ISSN.
What Is the Relationship Between ISSN and Copyright?
There is no connection between Copyright and ISSN. Having an
ISSN does not confer any Copyright protection, nor does sending
a serial to the Copyright office eliminate your need to send
NSDP a sample issue of a serial for which you were given a
prepublication ISSN.
Does Registering a Title with an ISSN Mean No One Else Can Use
It?
No. Getting an ISSN for a title does not confer any exclusive
rights to that title. Nor can titles be copyrighted. The best
way to protect a title is to register it with the U.S. Patent & Trademark
Office.
Does Having an ISSN Mean I Can Mail My Serial at Special Postal
Rates?
No. The U.S. Postal Service uses the ISSN as an identification
number for certain publications mailed at second class postage
rates, but all publications have to meet the same requirements for
a second class mailing permit regardless of whether they have an
ISSN or not. Contact your local postmaster about obtaining a second class mailing permit.
How Are ISSN Used in Bar Codes?
The ISSN is used in several bar codes as the title identifier
portion of the code. One such code, the SISAC bar code symbol,
can be found on scholarly, technical, medical and other
subscription-based serials. The SISAC symbol is used by
libraries and library-affiliated organizations. The symbol can
also represent articles within journals and is used by document
delivery services. The other major bar code that uses the ISSN
is the EAN (International Article Number). The EAN is used in
the U.S. by major bookstore chains for trade and other book
publications. It is used extensively in the U.K. for magazines.
Although the ISSN is used as an element of the above bar codes,
NSDP does not issue the actual bar codes. Further information
concerning the SISAC bar code symbol is available from SISAC Serials
Industry Systems Advisory Committee.
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(06/04/96)