Documentation; International standard serial numbering (ISSN)

This standard establishes the framework for assigning and registering identification numbers for serial publications of an international nature. It defines the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) as a unique eight-digit code designed to unambiguously distinguish one serial title from another. The document outlines the specific rules governing the assignment process, including the format of the number, the composition of the eight digits, and the use of a check digit for validation purposes. It specifies the procedures for applying for a new number, modifying an existing one, or canceling a number when a title ceases publication. Furthermore, the text details the responsibilities of the ISSN Network, which manages the central registration system and ensures the global uniqueness of the codes. This system facilitates the efficient identification and exchange of information regarding serials across different libraries, publishers, and distributors worldwide, supporting the organization and management of periodical literature on a global scale.