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The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit serial number used to uniquely identify a serial publication. The ISSN system was established in 1975 as an international standard, ISO 3297, and is overseen by the International Centre for the Registration of Serial Publications, which is based in Paris, France.

Structure

An ISSN is composed of eight digits, divided by a hyphen into two groups of four. The format is as follows: XXXX-XXXX. The last digit, which may be a number or the letter 'X', is a check digit used to validate the ISSN.

Check Digit Calculation

The check digit is calculated using a modulus 11 algorithm. Each of the first seven digits is multiplied by a decreasing weight from 8 to 2, and the sum of these products is calculated. The modulus 11 of this sum is subtracted from 11 to give the check digit. If the result is 10, the check digit is 'X'.

Purpose and Use

The ISSN is used to identify periodicals and other serial publications, such as magazines, newspapers, and journals. It is a key tool for libraries, publishers, and distributors to manage and track serial publications. The ISSN is particularly useful in library cataloging and interlibrary loan systems.

Assignment

ISSNs are assigned by a network of national centers coordinated by the International Centre. Each country has its own national ISSN center, which is responsible for assigning ISSNs to serials published within its jurisdiction.

Comparison with ISBN

While the ISSN is used for serial publications, the ISBN is used for books. Unlike the ISBN, the ISSN does not contain information about the publisher or the title of the publication. Instead, it serves solely as an identifier.

Also see

• International Standard Book Number
• Library cataloging
• Serial publication
• ISO 3297

References

• Official ISSN website
• ISO 3297: Information and documentation — International standard serial number (ISSN)