Web and XML Glossary

The ISSN is an internationally accepted code which identifies serial publications. It is an eight-digit number consisting of seven digits plus a check digit which enables a computer to recognize when the number is incorrectly cited. The check digit may be an "X", otherwise the ISSN is fully numeric. An ISSN may be used as control numbers for serial titles in automated systems, for example for identifying titles, ordering, checking in, and claiming by libraries and subscription agents. It may be used to ensure more accurate serials citation by scholars, researchers, abstractors and librarians and is particularly helpful when distinguishing between serials with identical titles. An increasingly important use of the ISSN is as a component in EAN barcodes for magazines.