The ISSN Register

What is the ISSN Register?

Each ISSN assigned to a serial publication is registered in an international database, the ISSN Register, formerly known as the ISDS Register (International Serials Data System). It is the most comprehensive and authoritative source for the identification of serial publications world-wide.

What is the structure of ISSN records?

Each of the bibliographic records which compose this Register contains, besides the unique authority elements (ISSN - key title - abbreviated key title), supplementary information, indispensable or useful for the identification of the publication concerned (frequency of publication, language, other forms of the title, place of publication, publisher...) and of the links which may associate it to other serial publications, which are also identified by different ISSN (former title(s), other language editions, other media editions...).

What is the format of ISSN records?

ISSN records are available as MARC 21 records and UNIMARC (MARC is the bibliographic format used in libraries). The exchange format is ISO 2709.

What is the size of the ISSN Register?

This database, constantly updated in the framework of the network, has an annual growth of between 40,000 and 60,000 ISSN (corresponding to an equal number of records and identified publications); around 80,000 amendments and modifications are made each year. The statistics of the ISSN Register give important data concerning its coverage, growth etc.

What is the availability of the ISSN Register?

The ISSN Register, published by the ISSN International Centre in Paris, is available on the web: the ISSN Portal, Z39.50 access, and the Raw Data file.

How frequently is it updated?

The online access through the Web is updated in real time.

What are the uses of the ISSN Register?

The ISSN Register may be used as the authoritative source of information about ISSN : this is its primary function.

Moreover, ISSN are used in libraries for identifying titles, ordering and checking in serials, and claiming missing issues.
ISSN simplifies interlibrary loan systems and union catalogue reporting and listing.

ISSN, employed as a standard numeric identification code, can be used in computers for updating and linking files, and retrieving and transmitting data.
ISSN provides a useful and economical method of communication between publishers and suppliers, making trade distribution systems faster and more efficient.
ISSN result in accurate citing of serials by scholars, researchers, abstracters, and librarians.

But the ISSN Register is also a bibliographic utility which may be used as a major source of information about the world of serial publications which are registered on a comprehensive basis. The ISSN Register may thus be considered as the world catalogue of serials.