Re: ISSN discrepancies (Regina Reynolds) ERCELAA@ctrvax.Vanderbilt.Edu 15 May 2002 19:14 UTC
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 14:52:48 -0400 From: Regina Reynolds <rrey@LOC.GOV> Subject: Re: ISSN discrepancies (M. Jessie Barczak) In reply to the question from M. Jessie Barczak, I first want to mention that information about the U.S. ISSN center is available on our Web site: www.loc.gov/issn. The Frequently Asked Questions section will probably answer your questions. Briefly, ISSN and ISBN are identifiers for serials and books, respectively, and are useful as numerical stand-ins for titles, especially in large files. Identifiers help distinguish among same and similar titles, speed searching in large databases, and allow for unambiguous identification. Serials issued in different editions, whether format editions, geographic, or language editions will generally each have a separate ISSN assigned to each edition. For example, a serial issued in print, on CD-ROM, and online, will be assigned three ISSN. An exception to this practice is made for exact reproductions, whether in scanned or digital form, made by a secondary publisher to serve as a print substitute. Examples of such reproductions are JSTOR's reproductions of back issues and University Microfilms back issues film services. Major changes in serial titles, edition statements, or formats generally require new ISSN. Thus, what some may regard as "one serial" may have more than one ISSN over time if the serial has been issued under a succession of titles. If you have further questions, please contact me directly. Regina Reynolds Head, National Serials Data Program (U.S. ISSN Center) Library of Congress > Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 12:30:12 -0400 > From: "M. Jessie Barczak" <Jessie.Barczak@USPTO.GOV> > Subject: ISSN discrepancies > > Folks, > > I have been challenged to find out the following: > > Why is it that the same journal title can have different ISSN numbers? > > It has been many years since I earned the MLS, and I do remember learning > WHAT ISSN's and ISBN's are for the purpose of building a database, but as is > usual, what is taught is not necessarily the real world situation. > > Anyone else curious? > > Much obliged; I promise to digest all responses. > > > M. Jessie Barczak > Electronic Resources Librarian (ASRC) > U.S. Patent & Trademark Office > (703) 308-6099 > jessie.barczak@uspto.gov > Regina R. Reynolds email: rrey@loc.gov Head, National Serials Data Program voice: (202) 707-6379 Library of Congress fax (202) 707-6333 101 Independence Avenue, S.E. ISSN Web page: lcweb.loc.gov/issn/ Washington, D.C. 20540-4160