Ready Reference Files

ISSN, International Standard Serial Number

An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a standardized international code which allows the identification of any serial publication. An ISSN consists of the acronym ISSN followed by two groups of four digits, separated by a hyphen. "The eighth character is a control digit calculated according to a modulo 11 algorithm on the basis of the 7 preceding digits; this eighth control character may be an "X" if the result of the computing is equal to "10", in order to avoid any ambiguity." (ISSN International Centre Website)

The agency that adminsters ISSNs in the United States is the Library of Congress. Its Website, U.S. ISSN Center, has information about obtaining an ISSN.

Sources:

• ISSN International Centre Website, visited on 10/26/2001
• U.S. ISSN Center Website, visited on 10/26/2001

Verified by: RAP 10/01

Disclaimer:
While the Library has verified the information presented in these files in what it considers to be reliable and authoritative sources, it cannot take responsibility for nor guarantee the accuracy of the information presented.